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Locating places in cities is typically facilitated by handheld mobile devices, which draw the visual attention of the user on the screen of the device instead of the surroundings. In this research, we aim at strengthening the connection between people and their surroundings through enabling mid-air gestural interaction with real-world landmarks and delivering information through audio to retain users' visual attention on the scene. Recent research on gesture-based and haptic techniques for such purposes has mainly considered handheld devices that eventually direct users' attention back to the devices. We contribute a hand-worn, mid-air gestural interaction design with directional vibrotactile guidance for finding points of interest (POIs). Through three design iterations, we address aspects of (1) sensing technologies and the placement of actuators considering users' instinctive postures, (2) the feasibility of finding and fetching information regarding landmarks without visual feedback, and (3) the benefits of such interaction in a tourist application. In a final evaluation, participants located POIs and fetched information by pointing and following directional guidance, thus realising a vision in which they found and experienced real-world landmarks while keeping their visual attention on the scene. The results show that the interaction technique has comparable performance to a visual baseline, enables high mobility, and facilitates keeping visual attention on the surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) is an essential soft skill that should be fostered from a young age. Research shows that a good way of teaching such skills is through video games; however, the success and viability of this method may be affected by the technological platform used. In this work we propose a gameful approach to train CPS skills in the form of the CPSbot framework and describe a study involving 80 primary school children on user experience and acceptance of a game, Quizbot, using three different technological platforms: two purely digital (tabletop and handheld tablets) and another based on tangible interfaces and physical spaces. The results show that physical spaces proved to be more effective than the screen-based platforms in several ways, as well as being considered more fun and easier to use by the children. Finally, we propose a set of design considerations for future gameful CPS systems based on the observations made during this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness is attracting an increasing interest due to its health and well-being benefits, but its practice can be difficult for people with no or minimal experience with meditation. In this study, we aim at thoroughly investigating participants' user experience with a mobile mindfulness app (AEON). In particular, we focus on perceptions in using the app for ameliorating worry, as well as on understanding in situ usage. We employ thematic analysis to qualitatively analyze participants' interviews at the end of a 5-week study period. Results indicate that several participants experienced decentering from their worries when using the app. Moreover, AEON was perceived as easy and pleasant to use. However, results also highlight that some participants did not experience decentering from all or some of their worries, and we discuss the possible reasons. Finally, unexpected patterns of use, user's suggestions and some usability problems emerged from the study, allowing us to identify some design opportunities for mindfulness apps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present disruption of household routines as a method to study home technology usage. Using three case studies as guidance, we show how disrupting household practices—either through changing the technology, task or division of labor—can provide valuable insight into current and future technology usage, and can guide the design of future technologies. Based on our case studies, we outline best practices and challenges with respect to the pragmatics of disruptive research methods.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS We present disruption as a method for studying technology use in homes.Grounded in three case studies, we provide best practices for using this method.We address pragmatic and ethical challenges of using disruption as a method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]