Inventing and devising movement in the design of movement-based interactive systems

This paper reports on a study that explored ways of inventing and devising movement for use in the design of movement-based interaction with video-based, motion-sensing technologies. Methods that dancers, trained in movement improvisation and performance-making, used to choreograph movement were examined as sources of potential methods for technology designers. The findings enabled us to develop methods and tools for creating and structuring new movements, based on felt experience and the creative potential of the moving body. These methods and tools contribute to the ongoing development of a design methodology underpinned by the principle of making strange. By making strange, we mean ways of unsettling habitual perceptions and conceptions of the moving body to arrive at fresh appreciations and perspectives for design that are anchored in the sensing, feeling and moving body

Designing situations

This paper extends the analytic framework Suchman used in Plans and Situated Actions by using it as a tool in the design of interactive, immersive environments that rely on human movement as input. We describe the historical and methodological background to Suchman's framework and the impact of her analysis on the development of HCI and related fields. We provide two examples of its use to support prototype evaluation, design reflection and generative and iterative design. Suchman's recognition that computers act on the basis of resources within their situations, just as people act in accord with the resources of theirs, broadens our focus from the design of interfaces to the design of situations within which interaction between people and computers can occur. The tool, and the methodological and theoretical commitments embedded within it, contribute to the design of emerging technologies and to current discussions about approaches to design within shifting paradigms of HCI. © ACM 2009

Moving bodies, social selves: Movement-oriented personas and scenarios

This paper describes the development of movement-oriented personas and scenarios for representing multiple users of an interactive, immersive environment, designed as an artistic work for a public space. Personas and scenarios were integrated into a user interaction script and linked to a set of movement schemas using Labanotation for group choreography. Enactment of the script within a prototype environment enabled the designers to experience the aesthetic and kinaesthetic qualities of the work, as well as the social interactional aspects of the user experience. This ensured that the experience of those visiting the exhibition was always central to the design proces

Toolkits, cards and games–a review of analogue tools for collaborative ideation

Analogue tools offer distinct benefits for collaborative design ideation and can take a variety of tailored forms including card decks, templates, toys and board games. However, owing to the disparate and multidisciplinary sources of these tools, there is currently no easy way to gain a coherent view of the tool landscape. To resolve this, we conducted a survey of analogue ideation tools within the design and HCI literatures, and within commercial practice. Of 3,395 results, 76 met the inclusion criteria. The resulting collection is presented and classified according to 10 descriptors including a novel taxonomy for distinguishing 7 tool types (methods, prompts, components, concepts, stories, embodiment, and construction). We also discuss gaps and opportunities for future tool development in inclusivity, cultural-tailoring and embodiment. Our aim is to help designers and design teams more fluently select, customize, critique, analyse and/or build tools to support collaborative designerly inquiry

Towards efficient modelling of optical micromanipulation of complex structures

Computational methods for electromagnetic and light scattering can be used for the calculation of optical forces and torques. Since typical particles that are optically trapped or manipulated are on the order of the wavelength in size, approximate methods such as geometric optics or Rayleigh scattering are inapplicable, and solution or either the Maxwell equations or the vector Helmholtz equation must be resorted to. Traditionally, such solutions were only feasible for the simplest geometries; modern computational power enable the rapid solution of more general--but still simple--geometries such as axisymmetric, homogeneous, and isotropic scatterers. However, optically-driven micromachines necessarily require more complex geometries, and their computational modelling thus remains in the realm of challenging computational problems. We review our progress towards efficient computational modelling of optical tweezers and micromanipulation, including the trapping and manipulation of complex structures such as optical micromachines. In particular, we consider the exploitation of symmetry in the modelling of such devices.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Modelling optical micro-machines

A strongly focused laser beam can be used to trap, manipulate and exert torque on a microparticle. The torque is the result of transfer of angular momentum by scattering of the laser beam. The laser could be used to drive a rotor, impeller, cog wheel or some other microdevice of a few microns in size, perhaps fabricated from a birefringent material. We review our methods of computationally simulating the torque and force imparted by a laser beam. We introduce a method of hybridizing the T-matrix with the Finite Difference Frequency Domain (FDFD) method to allow the modelling of materials that are anisotropic and inhomogeneous, and structures that have complex shapes. The high degree of symmetry of a microrotor, such as discrete or continuous rotational symmetry, can be exploited to reduce computational time and memory requirements by orders of magnitude. This is achieved by performing calculations for only a given segment or plane that is repeated across the whole structure. This can be demonstrated by modelling the optical trapping and rotation of a cube.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Use of Statins Is Associated with a Reduced Incidence of Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma

Purpose: Laboratory studies have suggested that statins may have useful anti-cancer effects against Barrett’s epithelial cancer lines. A variety of effects have been reported in clinical studies. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between statin use and the development of oesophageal cancer. Multiple databases were searched for studies reporting the association of statin use and oesophageal cancer. Meta-analysis on the relationship between statin use and cancer incidence was performed. Results: Twenty publications met eligibility criteria, yielding 22 datasets for meta-analysis. All were observational studies. Population-level studies included 372,206 cancer cases and 6,086,906 controls. Studies examining adenocarcinoma development in Barrett’s oesophagus included 1057 cancers and 17,741 controls. In patients with Barrett’s oesophagus, statin use was associated with a reduced incidence of adenocarcinoma (pooled adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.59 (95% confidence intervals 0.50–0.68)), with no heterogeneity between 11 studies. Population-based studies demonstrated more heterogeneity but showed that statin use was associated with a lower incidence of both oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OR 0.57 (0.43–0.76)) and all oesophageal cancers (OR 0.82 (0.7–0.88)). Information on statin type, dose, and duration was reported too infrequently for statistical analysis but individual studies showed a tendency to a dose- and duration-dependant decrease in cancer incidence. Conclusions: Statin use is associated with a significantly lower incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. This is seen in both Barrett’s cohorts and general populations. Further studies should focus on drug, dose, and duration and the interaction with other risk and preventative factors