Somatic Drawing Tool: 3D Body Sheet as Material for Articulating Synaesthetic ExperiencesWe present a participatory co-design cycle that studied synaesthesia, a cross-sensory phenomenon where one stimulus automatically triggers another perception. We worked with a community of synaesthetes to develop and evaluate an interactive technology to depict and communicate synaesthetic experience. By working with qualitative methods to understand experience, we accommodate the highly individual nature and support otherwise limited sensory vocabulary and lack of shared understanding of the condition. The first study involved a series of participatory workshops that explored text, creative tools, interactive technologies, and sensory materials in conveying the synaesthetic experience. Insights from these workshops informed the development of the Somatic Drawing Tool that allows users to depict their experiences. Within the tool, we deployed the 3D Body Sheet, an immersive extension of techniques drawn from soma design. We engaged users in an initial evaluation of the system and took on board their feedback in a subsequent cycle of iterative development. This resulted in a bespoke system that could be personalised to diverse types of individual synaesthetic experience. This enables nuanced articulation, providing a supportive environment for externalising and reflecting sensations.2026MWMamoru Watanabe et al.University of BristolDigital Art Installations & Interactive PerformanceTangible User Interface DesignPhysical-Digital Hybrid InteractionCHI
Uncertainty and Risk at the Point of Care: Implications of Patient-Generated ECGs and Algorithmic Interpretations for Clinical Decision MakingWearables enable users to generate electrocardiogram (ECG) data and receive algorithmic rhythm interpretations. While cardiologists increasingly use this data, little is known about how point-of-care clinicians perceive and anticipate using it. These clinicians are the main point of contact for many patients and determine access to further investigations and specialists. We conducted vignette-based interviews with 33 primary and emergency care clinicians to explore how they make sense of patient-generated ECG data and which factors shape anticipated use in decision making. We found that patient-generated data introduces diagnostic uncertainty, shaped by: legitimacy concerns, interpretation challenges, the influence of the wider clinical context on trust and confidence, and the balancing of patient risk against professional risk. This duality of risk often overrode earlier considerations, determining how clinicians responded to patient-generated data. We discuss design opportunities for uncertainty and risk-aware technology that can support the adoption of patient-generated data in everyday clinical practice.2026RKRachel Keys et al.University of BristolBiosensors & Physiological MonitoringTelemedicine & Remote Patient MonitoringExplainable AI (XAI)CHI
Design Opportunities at the Intersection of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Cystic Fibrosis, and TechnologySex differences in cystic fibrosis (CF) affect symptom manifestation, severity, and life expectancy. Female hormonal fluctuations, both cyclical and lifelong, can exacerbate lung function issues, increase susceptibility to chronic infections, and lead to earlier mortality. With recent advances in modulator therapy, people with CF are living longer and encountering later phases of female sexual and reproductive health (SRH), from pregnancy to menopause. This longevity introduces new convergences between SRH and CF management. While technological innovations have begun to address aspects of female SRH and chronic condition management, they often overlook the unique complexities of these intersecting issues. Our qualitative study examines the experiences of people with CF across different female SRH, from menstruation to menopause, exploring their daily challenges and interactions with care. We discuss pluralistic approaches to FemTech, online communities, AI, and clinical technologies, providing implications for technologies to address the complexities of the intersection of CF and SRH.2026CMCicely Mathews et al.University of BristolReproductive & Women's HealthMental Health Apps & Online Support CommunitiesTelemedicine & Remote Patient MonitoringCHI
Constructing the Thermal Affective Design Space for Emotion Regulation: An Autoethnographic Research Through Design InquiryTemperature has strong potential to mediate emotion in a range of contexts; augmenting sensory experience and/or supporting emotion regulation. Hence, there is growing interest in leveraging thermal cues for affective technologies. At present, however, the design space for thermal technologies for emotion regulation remains underexplored and largely undefined. We construct a design space for thermal affective emotion regulation technologies, clarifying the rich, expressive nature of thermal cues as a design material. We develop this through a Research through Design (RtD) approach, grounded in an 18-month autoethnographic inquiry based on the first author's emotion regulation practice. We contribute a structured design space for thermal affective interaction, linking experience and design implementation with designerly know-how. By discussing the creation of this design space we provide insights into the generative process of developing intermediate-level knowledge from autoethnographic study and design practice.2026FFFeng Feng et al.Aarhus UniversityThermal & Temperature InteractionAffective Feedback & Emotion Regulation InterfacesEmpathy & Emotional DesignCHI
Feeling the Flavour: Exploring Children's Touch–Taste Correspondences and Willingness to Try Unknown Foods for Child–Food Interaction DesignHow can we leverage taste expectations to create novel food-based experiences for children? Eating is an embodied process that jointly engages with multiple senses. Cross-sensory correspondences may offer educational and recreational opportunities to design interactive applications that encourage diversifying encounters with food. We present a study with 64 children (ages 10–11) who explored eight textured materials hidden inside mystery "food'' boxes and reported both their expected tastes and willingness to eat. Our findings provide evidence of touch–taste cross-sensory correspondences in children — sweetness with weak-hard-brittle and strong-soft-brittle materials, and saltiness with a weak-soft brittle material — and how these mappings influenced children's openness to unknown foods. These results provide empirical grounding for cross-sensory interaction design with children, demonstrating how texture could scaffold curiosity and learning. We outline design implications for cross-sensory food interfaces, non-edible public exhibits, and playful educational technologies that could broaden eating experiences and enable new forms of virtual food interaction.2026PLPriscilla Y. Lo et al.University of BristolOlfactory Display & Smell InteractionMultisensory Fusion ExperienceFood Culture & Food InteractionCHI
triMorph: Bridging Shape-Change and Cross-Sensory Correspondences for Haptic InteractionCross-sensory correspondences provide opportunities for designing rich sensory HCI, with prior work showing that features such as roundness and sharpness are systematically linked to language, color, sound, and emotion. Yet two challenges remain: few technologies can dynamically transition between these features, and little is known about the thresholds at which a form is judged as sufficiently rounded or spiky to realize these cross-sensory effects. We present triMorph, a pneumatic shape-changing interface capable of smoothly morphing between spiky, flat, and rounded configurations. In a psychophysical study with 30 participants, we quantified perceptual accuracy and precision in mapping triMorph shapes to visual-linguistic categories and examined shape–color and shape–emotion correspondences. Results reveal threshold values for reliable categorization, with rounded shapes linked to pleasant emotions and lighter colors, and spiky shapes to arousal and darker tones. Our findings provide empirical foundations and design guidelines for grounding shape-changing artifacts more firmly in cross-sensory cognition.2026ZFZhuzhi FAN et al.University of BristolShape-Changing Interfaces & Soft Robotic MaterialsMultisensory Fusion ExperienceAffective Feedback & Emotion Regulation InterfacesCHI
Noise Pilot: Enabling Artistic Workflow Composition with Diffusion-Based Image GenerationCreativity support tools (CSTs) increasingly include image-generation features. The underlying diffusion models enact a particular image diffusing process that AI CSTs tend to obscure within a black-box. Artists’ creative control is limited to indirect manipulation (prompting), chaining these "black-boxes" together, or using ML-engineering skills to build custom black-boxes. Seeking to maintain the low-threshold offered by prompting, while raising the ceiling of expressive interactions, we built Noise Pilot: a multi-layered approach to supporting diffusion-based creative processes at three levels of depth. We used Noise Pilot as a probe to study the artistic processes of 9 artists over a 2-week period. Artists engaged with diffusion at different levels of manipulative depth and crafted reusable artifacts to enact bespoke diffusion processes; some produced results impossible to achieve with prompting alone. We discuss how black-box AIs in CSTs limit creative power, and propose subverting this by favoring visibility over obscurity, and materiality over personification.2026JSJames Smith et al.UC BerkeleyGenerative AI (Text, Image, Music, Video)Creative Collaboration & Feedback SystemsCreative Coding & Computational ArtCHI
Beyond Accuracy: Auditing Allocative Harms in Facial-Gesture Recognition for People with Motor ImpairmentsCamera-based facial-gesture interfaces offer hands-free access for people with motor impairments (PwM), yet most recognition models are trained on able-bodied data and implicitly assume normative motor control and proprioception. We conducted a mixed-methods empirical study of 37 above-neck gestures performed by 11 PwM and 11 non-impaired participants. Results reveal systematic mismatches between user intention and model recognition in the PwM group, stemming from diverse patterns of body perception and control and leading to allocative harms. These mismatches concentrated in low-amplitude, asymmetric, and directional gestures. Building on these findings, we introduce FairGesture, a diagnostic auditing method for quantifying and interpreting such mismatches. FairGesture combines (1) the Perception Gap metric, (2) trajectory-based motion analysis, and (3) an analysis of user sensorimotor feedback, exploring the reasons behind these mismatches. The work reframes accuracy in gesture recognition as a problem of sensorimotor alignment, advancing user-centred evaluation and inclusive model design.2026SZSiyu Zhang et al.University of BristolMotor Impairment Assistive Input TechnologiesHand Gesture RecognitionHuman Pose & Activity RecognitionCHI
Let's Make a Community [of Practice]: Using Community-Based Participatory Design to Support InterdependenceIn line with the shift toward dementia-friendly communities, HCI research is increasingly exploring holistic ways to support people living with dementia as active community members. However, less is known about how existing community networks influence technology design and effectiveness. This paper analyses Community-Based Participatory Design (CBPD) workshops conducted with individuals living with dementia, their spouses, and program coordinators through Wenger's Communities of Practice Framework. We demonstrate how participants' interactions created a community of practice through their: engagement in creating mutual meaning, alignment around a common purpose, and imagination in envisioning new possibilities for inclusion. Our findings highlight the agency of participants as they worked to create inclusive experiences for themselves and others. Our findings additionally demonstrated how community boundaries create systemic barriers that lead to non-participation. We argue Wenger’s framework offers a roadmap for designing technologies that foster person-to-person interdependence, helping to build more genuinely inclusive communities.2026ECElaine Czech et al.University of BristolParticipatory DesignElderly Care & Dementia SupportCHI
Rough Meanings: Cross-sensory correspondences linking surface textures with sound symbolism, colours, and emotionsSurface textures play a critical role in shaping interaction with tangible and multisensory technologies, yet little is known about how their microstructural features influence cognitive and affective responses - factors central to interface design. We investigated this through cross-sensory correspondences of textures systematically varying in roundness and size. Thirty participants explored 3D-printed textures under visuo-tactile and tactile-only conditions, rating them on visuo-linguistic association, roughness, colour, and emotion. Rounded textures were often linked with Bouba and pleasantness, whereas pointed textures were associated with Kiki, higher arousal, and warmer colours. Visual access also influenced exploratory behaviour, reflected in applied normal force \del{and duration}. These findings demonstrate how microstructural tactile cues shape cross-sensory and affective associations. We propose cross-sensory correspondences as a methodological framework for designing microstructural features of surfaces textures, which could open up new design opportunities for pseudo-haptic feedback, texture-rich tangible interfaces, and coherent multisensory experiences in VR/AR.2026MLMin Susan Li et al.University of BristolShape-Changing Interfaces & Soft Robotic MaterialsPhysical-Digital Hybrid InteractionMultisensory Fusion ExperienceCHI
Touching Emotions, Smelling Shapes: Exploring Tactile, Olfactory and Emotional Cross-sensory Correspondences in Preschool-aged Children Multisensory design principles are increasingly seen as central in the design of technologies for learning, communication, and affective regulation. Multisensory integration, the process by which we combine information from different senses, develops rapidly in the preschool years, shaping processes of perception and sense-making. In particular, this may impact cross-sensory correspondence, how perceptions in different sensory modalities influence one another, a key issue in multisensory design. To date, little is known about cross-sensory correspondences in preschool-aged children (2-4 years). We present a study with 26 preschoolers examining smell–touch–emotion correspondences through playful cross-sensory tasks. We found significant correspondences between sensory modalities and between sensory modalities and affective judgements. Further analysis revealed association strategies underpinning these mappings. We contribute empirical insights into cross-sensory correspondences in early childhood, design guidelines for creating sensory interfaces that align with how preschoolers integrate sensory input, and a replicable method for probing cross-sensory cognition in this age group.2026TRTegan Joy Roberts-Morgan et al.University of BristolOlfactory Display & Smell InteractionMultisensory Fusion ExperienceTangible Interaction in EducationCHI
Dispray: The Design of an AR-Augmented Airbrush for Electroluminescent Display FabricationRecent advances in material-centric personal fabrication have enabled the use of custom inks and paints with functional properties to create free-form displays. However, working with these materials, such as through airbrushing, remains a skill-intensive process that limits non-specialist access, adoption, and further development. To address these challenges, we developed Dispray, an AR-augmented airbrush tool for fabricating electroluminescent displays. The tool was shaped by insights from a study with artists and engineers and refined through iterative prototyping. We evaluated Dispray by re-engaging with the original artists and engineers and conducting a follow-up study with novice users, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting both skill acquisition and functional fabrication. This work contributes a novel approach to connecting emerging material fabrication with accessible, user-centered tools, advancing the democratisation of interactive device creation.2026OHOllie Hanton et al.University of BathShape-Changing Interfaces & Soft Robotic MaterialsAR Navigation & Context AwarenessDesktop 3D Printing & Personal FabricationCHI
"That Would Have Been Bad": How Radiologists Interact with VUI systems When Authoring ReportsThis paper presents an exploration of how [Redacted Country] radiologists interact with Voice User Interface (VUI) systems and peripherals when authoring diagnostic reports. We conducted a laboratory study with 10 practicing clinical radiologists to investigate the ways in which radiologists utilise speech-based technology to construct, edit and proof their work by having them report on real-world anonymised medical studies on camera. A sample of the participants also participated in interviews in which their data was collaboratively analysed and examined to offer deeper insight into the realism and generalisability of our findings and conclusions. We conclude that better training should be given to radiologists on how VUI systems work, and further investigation should be carried out on the best ways to interact with Speech To Text systems in safety critical environments.2025RCRory Stuart Clark et al.Voice TechnologyCSCW
Ecolor: Synthesis of EInk Microcapsules for Fabricating DIY DisplaysRecent HCI research has explored active materials for programmable displays, yet accessibility remains a key challenge. While some programmable materials, such as thermochromic ink, are widely available, others—like electronic ink (EInk)—remain confined to industrial production. Despite its versatility, EInk is rarely used in HCI due to complex production processes that require expert knowledge in chemistry. We address this limitation by adapting existing microencapsulation techniques from other fields and identifying barriers to broader adoption. We present a simplified, safe, and more accessible method for producing EInk microcapsules. Through a series of analyses, we evaluate the viability of the resulting EInk and we evaluated the process with six participants unfamiliar with EInk fabrication and found it to be accessible and easy to follow. Our work represents a step toward democratizing EInk, bridging the gap between chemical engineering and practical application in HCI, and enabling broader integration of EInk into the design of diverse interactive devices.2025WZWenda Zhao et al.Shape-Changing Interfaces & Soft Robotic MaterialsOn-Skin Display & On-Skin InputShape-Changing Materials & 4D PrintingUIST
Understanding the Multimodal Voice Assistant as an Informal and Social Care Support Tool in the UKTelecare devices help deliver health and care outside of clinical settings. However, digital infrastructure modernisation in the UK could render previously relied-on telecare devices for social care obsolete. With local councils and informal carers struggling to contain social care costs and provide quality health and care, there is a need to provide technology-enabled care using updated digital infrastructure, and there is promise in using cheap and widely available voice assistants as care devices. We examine the feasibility of Amazon Echo Show as a care device for recipients of social care in the UK. Differences between the ten households in receipt of care meant that the functionality and experience of using Echo Show varied over the three months of the qualitative study, however we captured promising use cases such as direct access to carers in an emergency, despite some negative experiences like the exacerbation of cognitive limitations.2025ECElaine Czech et al.Intelligent Voice Assistants (Alexa, Siri, etc.)Elderly Care & Dementia SupportCUI
Bridging Context and Culture: Designing Cross-Cultural Solutions for Type 2 Diabetes Care in NigeriaCulturally sensitive design is crucial for developing inclusive technologies, particularly in resource-constrained settings. However, such approaches often oversimplify culture and face challenges in cross-cultural transferability. This study addresses these issues by exploring how participatory design can be both culturally grounded and adaptable across subcultures within African communities. We conducted 13 distributed design workshops with 19 participants, including people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), caregivers, and pharmacists, from diverse ethnic groups in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. These workshops informed the design of a mobile health prototype featuring interactive flows in Pidgin English, collaborative care tools, peer support groups, and a calorie prediction feature. The prototype was evaluated by 30 participants through think-aloud sessions and interviews. Findings highlight that while some features aligned with local cultural norms, others were less effective across sociocultural boundaries, even within the same city. We offer insights and methodological guidance for developing digital health tools that are locally relevant and regionally adaptable.2025TATim Arueyingho et al.Cognitive Impairment & Neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia)Developing Countries & HCI for Development (HCI4D)DIS
Integrating Technology into Self-Management Ecosystems: Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes in the UK using SmartwatchesSelf-managing chronic conditions typically involves a diverse network of individuals and devices, forming a self-management ecosystem. For this ecosystem to be effective, components need to work together cohesively. The rapid advancement of technology means new devices need to be repeatedly integrated into existing self-management ecosystems. To examine this process, we used the case study of young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the UK who were given a smartwatch. Over six months, interviews and focus groups were performed to explore their smartwatch use alongside T1D management. Thematic analysis highlighted that smartwatches have potential as a display, interface and data source in T1D management, which is of particular importance as artificial intelligence plays a growing role in self-management ecosystems. It also emphasised the need for customisation, flexibility and adaptability, and automation in the design of technology to promote integration into existing self-management ecosystems for both T1D and other chronic conditions.2025SJSam Gordon James et al.University of BristolAI-Assisted Decision-Making & AutomationChronic Disease Self-Management (Diabetes, Hypertension, etc.)Smartwatches & Fitness BandsCHI
Boss is aWare—Are you? Employee Comprehension and Legal Awareness of Workplace MonitoringBossware, software that monitors worker activity, is a common feature of workplaces. What do workers know about these tools and how they relate to their rights at work? We explored this question through two studies. Study 1 surveyed 100 workers to assess their understanding of work monitoring terminology. Participants were confident in their knowledge of key terms but struggled to accurately define them. Study 2 explored awareness of legal protection in relation to work monitoring through 19 semi-structured online interviews. We found that awareness varied with industry and work role, but was generally low and lacked certainty. Participants were largely skeptical of the use of bossware, questioning its necessity. Limited knowledge of monitoring terminology and legal protection at work further weakens workers' ability to notice and challenge the use of monitoring tools in their workplaces. We finish by speculating on whether educating workers about bossware and workplace rights would help.2025TBTeshan S. Bunwaree et al.Cardiff University, School of Computer Science and InformaticsPrivacy by Design & User ControlPrivacy Perception & Decision-MakingWorkplace Monitoring & Performance TrackingCHI
Encounter with the Giants: Understanding Interaction with Large-scale Inflatable Soft RobotsSoft robots, constructed from compliant materials, offer unique flexibility and adaptability. However, most research has focused on small-scale interactions, leaving the potential of large-scale soft robots largely unexplored. This research explores how humans engage with inflatable soft robots that are large in size and created for fun and artistic expression. We conducted 22 hours of video analysis (N=30) and thematic interviews (N=20) to understand user engagement and explore their motivations. Our findings revealed a range of interactions, from delicate touches to immersive full-body engagement, driven by trust, safety, and emotional connection. Participants frequently compared the robots to peaceful creatures like plants and sea animals, fostering playful and therapeutic interactions. These insights highlight the potential of giant soft robots in enhancing emotional well-being, therapeutic applications, and immersive experiences. This paper aims to inspire future designs that leverage the unique attributes of large-scale soft robots for trust-centered, interactive human-robot relationships.2025BBBijetri Biswas Biswas et al.University of Bristol, Faculty of Engineering ; University of Bristol, Bristol Medical SchoolShape-Changing Interfaces & Soft Robotic MaterialsCHI
The World is Not Enough: Growing Waste in HPC-enabled Academic PracticeMost research depends to some extent on technologies and computational infrastructures including, and perhaps especially, HCI. Despite the noted environmental impacts associated with information communication technology (ICT) globally, to date little consideration has been given as to how to limit the impact of research and innovation processes themselves. Working to understand the technical and cultural drivers of this impact within the specific but resource-intensive domain of High Performance Computing (HPC), we conducted 25 interviews with academic researchers, providers, funders, and commissioners of HPC. We find intersecting socio-cultural and technical dimensions that link to research institutions like conferences, funders, and universities that reinforce and embed, rather than challenge, expectations of growth and waste. At a time when large scale cloud systems, generative AI and ever larger models are multiplying, we argue to de-escalate demand for computing, aiming for more moderate, responsible and meaningful use of computational infrastructures - including within HCI itself.2025CLCarolynne Lord et al.UKCEH; Lancaster University, School of Computing and CommunicationsGenerative AI (Text, Image, Music, Video)Sustainable HCIEcological Design & Green ComputingCHI