On the influence of individual differences in cross-modal Mulsemedia QoE

Quality of Experience (QoE) is inextricably linked to the human side of the multimedia experience. Whilst there has been a considerable amount of research undertaken to explore the various dimensions of QoE, one facet which been relatively unexplored is the role of individual differences in determining an individual’s QoE. Whereas this is certainly true of multimedia applications, when it comes to mulsemedia (multiple media engaging three or more human senses) this is even more so, given its emerging and novel nature. Accordingly, in this paper we report the results of a study which investigated the role that individual differences (such as age, gender, education, and smell sensitivity) have on QoE, when mulsemedia incorporating olfactory and haptic stimuli is experienced in cross-modal environments. Our results reveal that whilst users had a satisfying overall mulsemedia experience the specific use of cross modally matched odours did not result in significantly higher QoE levels than when a control scent (rosemary) was employed. However, aspects of QoE are impacted upon by all individual differences dimensions considered in our study

How Do We Experience Crossmodal Correspondent Mulsemedia Content?

Sensory studies emerged as a significant influence upon Human Computer Interaction and traditional multimedia. Mulsemedia is an area that extends multimedia addressing issues of multisensorial response through the combination of at least three media, typically a non-traditional media with traditional audio-visual content. In this paper, we explore the concepts of Quality of Experience and crossmodal correspondences through a case study of different types of mulsemedia setups. The content is designed following principles of crossmodal correspondence between different sensory dimensions and delivered through olfactory, auditory and vibrotactile displays. The Quality of Experience is evaluated through both subjective (questionnaire) and objective means (eye gaze and heart rate). Results show that the auditory experience has an influence on the olfactory sensorial responses and lessens the perception of lingering odor. Heat maps of the eye gazes suggest that the crossmodality between olfactory and visual content leads to an increased visual attention on the factors of the employed crossmodal correspondence (e.g., color, brightness, shape)

Increasing Service Users' Privacy Awareness by Introducing On−Line Interactive Privacy Features

The work presented in this paper introduces the concept of On-line Interactive (OI) privacy feature which is defined as any on-line interactive tool, component or user-interface that creates privacy awareness and supports users in understanding their on-line privacy risks. These features have been developed as an interactive social translucence map that discloses the flow of personal information, a privacy enquiry for a direct chat about users? privacy concerns and a discussion forum presenting users? privacy concerns using their language in an interactive FAQ format. The paper presents an evaluation of a prototype of this set of embedded OI privacy features. The field study presented evaluates the prototype?s usability and its effect on users? privacy awareness, understanding and attitude. 100 participants took part in the study and were drawn from groups of experienced and less experienced users. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used. Findings suggest that OI privacy features increase users? privacy awareness and encourage users to find out more about the uses of their personal data. However, users? ICT skills and Internet experience significantly influence whether a feature is favoured or otherwise. In general, it is concluded that privacy features are very much welcomed and necessary to empower users to manage their privacy concerns but some groups need to be further supported by social and institutional privacy management processes

Experiences with developing a user-centered digital library

The purpose of this study was to find out whether users should be involved in the design stage of a Digital Library (DL). Hence an experiment has been undertaken to find out the level of user satisfaction with a user-centred DL (UDL) compared to a non-user-centred DL (NDL). In this experiment, the UDL prototype has been compared with the NDL prototype. The two prototypes were then evaluated by separate users with various Information Technology (IT) backgrounds. Results show that users’ task performance was better in the UDL version of the prototype

Usability study of an NFC-enabled static tourist map

Near Field Communication (NFC) is becoming more prevalent in smartphones. Using NFC tags enables additional information to be added to physical objects which can be access via a mobile app, which could be of particular use in tourist environments where users have limited knowledge of the area. This paper presents an innovative use of NFC-tags within static tourist maps with the aim of making the maps easier to use and providing additional information without obscuring the map itself. A prototype map and app system was developed and tested with the aim of assessing user interaction with the technology. The results showed that the concept was of interest to the users, but that improvements in usability are required

User perceptions of Online Public Library Catalogues

Online Public Library Catalogues (OPACs) are widely used electronic library catalogues giving a wealth of remote access to library information resources. Users should be involved early in the OPAC development cycle process in order to ensure a usable and functional interface, as the integration of user-defined requirements of OPACs, along with the other Human-Computer Interaction considerations, offer a better understanding of user perceptions and expectations respect of OPACs, ultimately resulting in truly user-centred OPACs. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to establish user suggestions for a typical OPAC application’s functionality and features. To this end, an experiment was undertaken to find out the type of interaction features that users prefer to have in an OPAC. The study revealed that regardless of users ’ Information Technology (IT) backgrounds, their functionality expectations of OPACs are the same as users are expecting OPACs to facilitate easier ways to achieve their tasks. However, based on users ’ previous experiences with OPACs, their requirements with respect to specific features may change

User perceptions of online public library catalogues

Online Public Library Catalogues (OPACs) are widely used electronic library catalogues giving a wealth of remote access to library information resources. Users should be involved early in the OPAC development cycle process in order to ensure a usable and functional interface, as the integration of user-defined requirements of OPACs, along with the other human–computer interaction considerations, offer a better understanding of user perceptions and expectations in respect of OPACs, ultimately resulting in truly user-centred OPACs. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to establish user suggestions for a typical OPAC application's functionality and features. To this end, an experiment was undertaken to find out the type of interaction features that users prefer to have in an OPAC. The study revealed that regardless of users’ Information Technology (IT) backgrounds, their functionality expectations of OPACs are the same as users are expecting OPACs to facilitate easier ways to achieve their tasks. However, based on users’ previous experiences with OPACs, their requirements with respect to specific features may change