Interaction design and emotional wellbeing

The World Health Organisation has concluded that emotional wellbeing is fundamental to our quality of life. It enables us to experience life as meaningful and is an essential component of social cohesion, peace and stability in the living environment [21]. This workshop will bring together a diverse community to consolidate existing knowledge and identify new opportunities for research on technologies designed to support emotional wellbeing. The workshop will examine uses of technology in mental health settings, but will also consider the importance of emotional needs in physical healthcare and wellbeing more generally. The design of technology to provide social support and to extend traditional care networks will be key workshop themes

Wearable chemical sensing – sensor design and sampling techniques for real-time sweat analysis

Wearable chemical sensors have the potential to provide new methods of non-invasive physiological measurement. The nature of chemical sensors involves an active surface where a chemical reaction must occur to elicit a response. This adds complexity to a wearable system which creates challenges in the design of a reliable long-term working system. This work presents the design of a real-time sweat sensing platform to analyse sweat loss and composition. Sampling methods have an impact on composition therefore skin encapsulation needs to be avoided so as not to disrupt normal sweating patterns. Sensors ideally need to be placed close to the sampling site which may be subject to motion artefacts [1]. The design of this device takes into account sample collection and delivery, sensor placement and associated electronics. The overall design is ergonomic to interface with the contours of the body. Results of lab-based simulations and real-time exercise trials are presented. This device can offer valuable information regarding hydration status and electrolyte balance which may be especially important for optimised rehydration during or after sports activities. [1] Curto, V. F. S. Coyle, R. Byrne, N. Angelov, D. Diamond, F. Benito-Lopez., Sens. Actuators, B, 2012, 175, 263-270

Personal sensing wear: the role of textile sensors

Wearable sensors for fitness tracking are becoming increasingly popular and are set to increase as smartwatches begin to dominate the wearable technology market. Wearable technology provides the capacity to track long-term trends in the wearer’s health. In order for this to be adopted the technology must be easy to use and comfortable to wear. Textile based sensors are ideal as they conform to the body and can be integrated into the wearer’s everyday wardrobe. This work discusses fabric stretch sensors that can measure body movements. An application using a sensor glove for home assessment of Rheumatoid Arthritis is presented. This work is the result of a multidisciplinary effort, involving expertise in material science and functional design, computer science, human health and performance and influenced by the end user needs

International consensus statement on the design, delivery and evaluation of sport-based interventions aimed at promoting social, psychological and physical well-being in prison

Objective To develop an international consensus statement to advise on designing, delivering and evaluating sport-based interventions (SBIs) aimed atpromoting social, psychological and physical well-being in prison.Design Modified Delphi using two rounds of survey questionnaires and two consensus workshops. Participants A multidisciplinary panel of more than 40experts from 15 international jurisdictions was formed, including representation from the following groups and stakeholders: professionals working in the justicesystem; officials from sport federations and organisations; academics with research experience of prisons, secure forensic mental health settings and SBIs; and policymakers in criminal justice and sport.Results A core research team and advisory board developed the initial rationale, statement and survey. This survey produced qualitative data which was analysedthematically. The findings were presented at an in-person workshop. Panellists discussed the findings, and, using a modified nominal group technique, reached a consensus on objectives to be included in a revised statement. The core research team and advisory board revised the statement and recirculated it with a second survey.Findings from the second survey were discussed at a second, virtual, workshop. The core research team and advisory board further revised the consensus statement and recirculated it asking panellists for further comments.This iterative process resulted in seven final statement items; all participants have confirmed that they agreed with the content, objectives and recommendations of the final statement.Conclusions The statement can be used to assist those that design, deliver and evaluate SBIs by providing guidance on: (1) minimum levels of competence for those designing and delivering SBIs; (2) the design and delivery of inclusive programmes prioritising disadvantaged groups; and (3) evaluation measures which are carefully calibrated both to capture proposed programme outcomes and to advance an understanding of the systems, processes andexperiences of sport engagement in prison