2025
Sara Nabil
iStudio: The Interioraction Design Lab Journal Article
In: Interactions, vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 14–17, 2025, ISSN: 1072-5520.
@article{10.1145/3715930,
title = {iStudio: The Interioraction Design Lab},
author = {Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3715930
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/02/3715930.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3715930},
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address = {New York, NY, USA},
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Lee Jones, Greta Grip, GHY Cheung, Sara Nabil
“It's Being Unmade!”: Reflections on the Unraveling and (de)fabrication of Machine-Knit Textile Tapestries Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Bordeaux, France, 2025, ISBN: 9798400711978.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3689050.3704948,
title = {“It's Being Unmade!”: Reflections on the Unraveling and (de)fabrication of Machine-Knit Textile Tapestries},
author = {Lee Jones and Greta Grip and GHY Cheung and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3689050.3704948
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/02/Its-Being-Unmade.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3689050.3704948},
isbn = {9798400711978},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Bordeaux, France},
series = {TEI '25},
abstract = {This paper explores how people experience public displays that take apart machine-crafted items, as a design resource. We use the affordance of knitting as an ephemeral fabrication method (that can be gradually pulled apart and unraveled) as a way of understanding how individuals feel about unraveling crafted textiles in public. We designed machine-knit panels as tapestries, and developed an interactive yarn winder that unravels those panels as individuals pass them. This resulted in a textile-based artwork series Unraveling (2022-2023), and we present two iterative public installations, and results from a user study. Our study findings highlight users’ empathy toward others and mindful interaction: being aware that defabricating a piece is finite. Insights also revealed tensions between admiring playful sustainable practices and feeling guilty of destruction.},
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This paper explores how people experience public displays that take apart machine-crafted items, as a design resource. We use the affordance of knitting as an ephemeral fabrication method (that can be gradually pulled apart and unraveled) as a way of understanding how individuals feel about unraveling crafted textiles in public. We designed machine-knit panels as tapestries, and developed an interactive yarn winder that unravels those panels as individuals pass them. This resulted in a textile-based artwork series Unraveling (2022-2023), and we present two iterative public installations, and results from a user study. Our study findings highlight users’ empathy toward others and mindful interaction: being aware that defabricating a piece is finite. Insights also revealed tensions between admiring playful sustainable practices and feeling guilty of destruction.
Salma Ibrahim, Sara Nabil
E-Serging: Exploring the Use of Overlockers (Sergers) in Creating E-Textile Seams and Interactive Yarns for Garment Making, Embroidery, and Weaving Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Bordeaux, France, 2025, ISBN: 9798400711978.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3689050.3704428,
title = {E-Serging: Exploring the Use of Overlockers (Sergers) in Creating E-Textile Seams and Interactive Yarns for Garment Making, Embroidery, and Weaving},
author = {Salma Ibrahim and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3689050.3704428
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/02/E-Serging-Exploring-the-use-of-Overlockers.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3689050.3704428},
isbn = {9798400711978},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Bordeaux, France},
series = {TEI '25},
abstract = {Sergers, also known as overlookers, are common textile machines often found alongside sewing machines in homes and makerspaces. Despite this ubiquity, their application is underexplored in e-textile research. In this pictorial, we demonstrate the potential of sergers in seamlessly integrating interaction in garments and everyday home objects. After identifying the properties of various stitches and their utility for e-textiles, we demonstrate seven prototypes that implement our technique. Moreover, we present an innovative use for sergers to 'interlace' colorful conductive yarns that we call 'sperged threads'. Using a research through design approach, we explore potential applications in several hybrid crafts, including e-textile sensors, garment making, weaving, sewing, and embroidery. Through this work, we aim to inspire researchers, and empower the maker community, to explore e-textile serging, or 'e-serging'.},
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Sergers, also known as overlookers, are common textile machines often found alongside sewing machines in homes and makerspaces. Despite this ubiquity, their application is underexplored in e-textile research. In this pictorial, we demonstrate the potential of sergers in seamlessly integrating interaction in garments and everyday home objects. After identifying the properties of various stitches and their utility for e-textiles, we demonstrate seven prototypes that implement our technique. Moreover, we present an innovative use for sergers to 'interlace' colorful conductive yarns that we call 'sperged threads'. Using a research through design approach, we explore potential applications in several hybrid crafts, including e-textile sensors, garment making, weaving, sewing, and embroidery. Through this work, we aim to inspire researchers, and empower the maker community, to explore e-textile serging, or 'e-serging'.
Lee Jones, Molly Stewart, Sydney Alana Shereck, Joelle Lintag, Dallas Doherty, Bianca Bucchino, Sara Nabil
Interactive Bobbin Lace: Metal Thread History, Interviews with Lacemakers, and Material Explorations with E-textiles Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Bordeaux, France, 2025, ISBN: 9798400711978.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3689050.3704957,
title = {Interactive Bobbin Lace: Metal Thread History, Interviews with Lacemakers, and Material Explorations with E-textiles},
author = {Lee Jones and Molly Stewart and Sydney Alana Shereck and Joelle Lintag and Dallas Doherty and Bianca Bucchino and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3689050.3704957
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/02/Interactive-Bobbin-Lace.pdf
https://youtu.be/Hy-i0mOamr4},
doi = {10.1145/3689050.3704957},
isbn = {9798400711978},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Bordeaux, France},
series = {TEI '25},
abstract = {Hybrid crafts are increasingly repurposing the metal materials used in hand crafts for their conductive and interactive affordances. In this paper, we look to the history of metal threads and their use in the fine craft of bobbin lace to explore tensions and opportunities for leveraging bobbin lace techniques with e-textile crafting. First, we contribute an overview of the history of metal thread use in bobbin lace practices. Second, we provide insights on contemporary bobbin lace culture from individual interviews with 17 bobbin lacemakers. Third, to better understand how to integrate e-textiles with bobbin lace practices, we engaged in a Research-through-Design process of creating e-textile bobbin lace patterns and samples alongside two group feedback sessions with members of a bobbin lace guild. Together, these three contributions provide an introduction of the affordances and constraints of bobbin lace as a unique fabrication method for e-textile hand crafts.},
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Hybrid crafts are increasingly repurposing the metal materials used in hand crafts for their conductive and interactive affordances. In this paper, we look to the history of metal threads and their use in the fine craft of bobbin lace to explore tensions and opportunities for leveraging bobbin lace techniques with e-textile crafting. First, we contribute an overview of the history of metal thread use in bobbin lace practices. Second, we provide insights on contemporary bobbin lace culture from individual interviews with 17 bobbin lacemakers. Third, to better understand how to integrate e-textiles with bobbin lace practices, we engaged in a Research-through-Design process of creating e-textile bobbin lace patterns and samples alongside two group feedback sessions with members of a bobbin lace guild. Together, these three contributions provide an introduction of the affordances and constraints of bobbin lace as a unique fabrication method for e-textile hand crafts.
2024
Sama Moustafa, Jannah Sultan, Sammi Wang, Sara Nabil
Fabric-Lego: 3D-Printing Fabric-Based Lego-Compatible Designs for Assistive Wearables, Personalization, and Self-Expression Proceedings Article
In: Companion Publication of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference, pp. 209–213, Association for Computing Machinery, IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark, 2024, ISBN: 9798400706325.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3656156.3663705,
title = {Fabric-Lego: 3D-Printing Fabric-Based Lego-Compatible Designs for Assistive Wearables, Personalization, and Self-Expression},
author = {Sama Moustafa and Jannah Sultan and Sammi Wang and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3656156.3663705
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/3656156.3663705.pdf
https://youtu.be/6wrl-2oxJu8},
doi = {10.1145/3656156.3663705},
isbn = {9798400706325},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-01-01},
booktitle = {Companion Publication of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference},
pages = {209–213},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark},
series = {DIS '24 Companion},
abstract = {Medical braces and assistive wearables serve critical functions in supporting mobility and aiding individuals with temporary disabilities. However, these devices often lack aesthetic appeal and fail to provide personal expression, leading to psychological challenges and social stigma. We propose a novel fabrication method, Fabric-Lego, which combines 3D-printing with traditional garment-making (pattern-making, sewing, ironing, and overlocking) to address these shortcomings. By integrating customizable Lego®-like blocks into wearable fabrics in accessible DIY ways, users can personalize their wearables while maintaining comfort and functionality. We present the fabrication process, including insights on materiality, pre-processing, 3D-printing, and post-processing steps. To demonstrate the design space and potential applications of our method, we implemented 3 prototypes: 1) a customizable arm sling cover, 2) a customizable finger splint cover, and 3) a T-shirt with integrated blocks. This approach offers a promising path for enhancing the user experience and empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities.},
keywords = {},
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}
Medical braces and assistive wearables serve critical functions in supporting mobility and aiding individuals with temporary disabilities. However, these devices often lack aesthetic appeal and fail to provide personal expression, leading to psychological challenges and social stigma. We propose a novel fabrication method, Fabric-Lego, which combines 3D-printing with traditional garment-making (pattern-making, sewing, ironing, and overlocking) to address these shortcomings. By integrating customizable Lego®-like blocks into wearable fabrics in accessible DIY ways, users can personalize their wearables while maintaining comfort and functionality. We present the fabrication process, including insights on materiality, pre-processing, 3D-printing, and post-processing steps. To demonstrate the design space and potential applications of our method, we implemented 3 prototypes: 1) a customizable arm sling cover, 2) a customizable finger splint cover, and 3) a T-shirt with integrated blocks. This approach offers a promising path for enhancing the user experience and empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities.
Eleni Margariti, Caroline Claisse, Sara Nabil, Ben Bridgens, Abigail C Durrant, David Kirk
Human Building Interaction and Design for Climate Change Proceedings Article
In: Companion Publication of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference, pp. 462–466, Association for Computing Machinery, IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark, 2024, ISBN: 9798400706325.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3656156.3658386,
title = {Human Building Interaction and Design for Climate Change},
author = {Eleni Margariti and Caroline Claisse and Sara Nabil and Ben Bridgens and Abigail C Durrant and David Kirk},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3656156.3658386
},
doi = {10.1145/3656156.3658386},
isbn = {9798400706325},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-01-01},
booktitle = {Companion Publication of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference},
pages = {462–466},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark},
series = {DIS '24 Companion},
abstract = {Climate change poses unique challenges and opportunities for the design of human-centered smart buildings. Developments in innovative programmable materials can address some of the challenges of creating passive buildings whilst cultivating more responsible human-climate relationships. Yet, their potential in the context of climate change remains relatively underexplored by the Human-Computer Interaction and Human Building Interaction research communities. This workshop invites proposals that rethink the design of physical human-data interactions in our built environment in the increasingly urgent context of climate change. The workshop will include opportunities to present and discuss participants’ research and design work, followed by a ‘mapping the research landscape’ exercise, and a video design-fiction prototyping session. The anticipated outcome of the workshop will be a new design agenda for HCI/HBI research in response to climate change, which will be of critical relevance to people designing and developing smart buildings, cities and urban infrastructures.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Climate change poses unique challenges and opportunities for the design of human-centered smart buildings. Developments in innovative programmable materials can address some of the challenges of creating passive buildings whilst cultivating more responsible human-climate relationships. Yet, their potential in the context of climate change remains relatively underexplored by the Human-Computer Interaction and Human Building Interaction research communities. This workshop invites proposals that rethink the design of physical human-data interactions in our built environment in the increasingly urgent context of climate change. The workshop will include opportunities to present and discuss participants’ research and design work, followed by a ‘mapping the research landscape’ exercise, and a video design-fiction prototyping session. The anticipated outcome of the workshop will be a new design agenda for HCI/HBI research in response to climate change, which will be of critical relevance to people designing and developing smart buildings, cities and urban infrastructures.
Lee Jones, Greta Grip, Erin Kennedy, Sara Nabil
A Year of Interaction Around Town: Gathering Traces with an Interactive Knitting Machine and Community Stitch Markers Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference, pp. 1116–1133, Association for Computing Machinery, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2024, ISBN: 9798400705830.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3643834.3660736,
title = {A Year of Interaction Around Town: Gathering Traces with an Interactive Knitting Machine and Community Stitch Markers},
author = {Lee Jones and Greta Grip and Erin Kennedy and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3643834.3660736
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/dis24d-sub1757-cam-i15.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3643834.3660736},
isbn = {9798400705830},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference},
pages = {1116–1133},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Copenhagen, Denmark},
series = {DIS '24},
abstract = {Devices for digital fabrication are becoming increasingly smaller and more portable, enabling digital fabrication research to move into new environments. In this exploratory research-through-design project, we aimed to physicalize data on-the-go using a portable digital fabrication device, and gathered community annotations and traces of the journey the machine went on with "stitch markers". We describe the development of The Life of a Small Town, a portable knitting machine that was adapted to knit rows of stitches in response to sensor data. The machine travelled throughout a small town and "popped up" at local art events to sense and physicalize social gatherings held by an arts organization over the period of one year. Individuals participating in events could also decorate their own "stitch markers" to annotate and pin to the data. In this paper we discuss the insights from an analysis of the stitch markers and traces of the year-long journey.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Devices for digital fabrication are becoming increasingly smaller and more portable, enabling digital fabrication research to move into new environments. In this exploratory research-through-design project, we aimed to physicalize data on-the-go using a portable digital fabrication device, and gathered community annotations and traces of the journey the machine went on with "stitch markers". We describe the development of The Life of a Small Town, a portable knitting machine that was adapted to knit rows of stitches in response to sensor data. The machine travelled throughout a small town and "popped up" at local art events to sense and physicalize social gatherings held by an arts organization over the period of one year. Individuals participating in events could also decorate their own "stitch markers" to annotate and pin to the data. In this paper we discuss the insights from an analysis of the stitch markers and traces of the year-long journey.
Lee Jones, Ahmed Awad, Marion Koelle, Sara Nabil
Hand Spinning E-textile Yarns: Understanding the Craft Practices of Hand Spinners and Workshop Explorations with E-textile Fibers and Materials Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference, pp. 1–19, Association for Computing Machinery, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2024, ISBN: 9798400705830.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3643834.3660717,
title = {Hand Spinning E-textile Yarns: Understanding the Craft Practices of Hand Spinners and Workshop Explorations with E-textile Fibers and Materials},
author = {Lee Jones and Ahmed Awad and Marion Koelle and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3643834.3660717
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/dis24c-sub6449-cam-i15.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3643834.3660717},
isbn = {9798400705830},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference},
pages = {1–19},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Copenhagen, Denmark},
series = {DIS '24},
abstract = {The ‘material turn’ in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is increasingly drawing attention to the computational affordances of materials and how we can craft with them. In this paper, we explore opportunities for combining the maker cultures of hand spinning with e-textile crafting. In our first study, we interviewed 32 hand spinners on their practices to better understand their motivations for spinning their own yarns and the techniques they use to do so. In our second study, we conducted workshops with 6 spinners at a local spinning guild, where participants worked with the conductive fibers and spun e-textile yarns. After the workshops, we conducted follow-up interviews with each participant to understand the opportunities and tensions of hand spinning e-textile yarns. Our findings show how spinners can blend local materials with conductive ones to develop their own custom interactive textiles, and the mismatch between how these fibers are sold and what information spinners require to inform their design decisions. Through these results, we hope to empower makers and inspire the design community to develop tools to support these DIY practices.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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}
The ‘material turn’ in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is increasingly drawing attention to the computational affordances of materials and how we can craft with them. In this paper, we explore opportunities for combining the maker cultures of hand spinning with e-textile crafting. In our first study, we interviewed 32 hand spinners on their practices to better understand their motivations for spinning their own yarns and the techniques they use to do so. In our second study, we conducted workshops with 6 spinners at a local spinning guild, where participants worked with the conductive fibers and spun e-textile yarns. After the workshops, we conducted follow-up interviews with each participant to understand the opportunities and tensions of hand spinning e-textile yarns. Our findings show how spinners can blend local materials with conductive ones to develop their own custom interactive textiles, and the mismatch between how these fibers are sold and what information spinners require to inform their design decisions. Through these results, we hope to empower makers and inspire the design community to develop tools to support these DIY practices.
Makayla Lewis, Miriam Sturdee, Denise Lengyel, Mauro Toselli, John Miers, Violet Owen, Josh Urban Davis, Swen E Gaudl, Lanxi Xiao, Ernesto Priego, Kim Snooks, Laia Turmo Vidal, Eli Blevis, Nicola Privato, Patricia Piedade, Corey Ford, Nick Bryan-Kinns, Beatriz Severes, Kirsikka Kaipainen, Caroline Claisse, Raksanda Mehnaz Huq, Mirjam Palosaari Eladhari, Anna Troisi, Ana O Henriques, Ar Grek, Gareth Mcmurchy, Ray Lc, Sara Nabil, Jacinta Jardine, Robert Collins, Andrey Vlasov, Yana Knight, Michele Cremaschi, Silvia Carderelli-Gronau, Claudia Núñez-Pacheco, Gisela Reyes-Cruz, Jean-Philippe Riviere
Traveling Arts x HCI Sketchbook: Exploring the Intersection Between Artistic Expression and Human-Computer Interaction Proceedings Article
In: Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Association for Computing Machinery, Honolulu, HI, USA, 2024, ISBN: 9798400703317.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3613905.3644069,
title = {Traveling Arts x HCI Sketchbook: Exploring the Intersection Between Artistic Expression and Human-Computer Interaction},
author = {Makayla Lewis and Miriam Sturdee and Denise Lengyel and Mauro Toselli and John Miers and Violet Owen and Josh Urban Davis and Swen E Gaudl and Lanxi Xiao and Ernesto Priego and Kim Snooks and Laia Turmo Vidal and Eli Blevis and Nicola Privato and Patricia Piedade and Corey Ford and Nick Bryan-Kinns and Beatriz Severes and Kirsikka Kaipainen and Caroline Claisse and Raksanda Mehnaz Huq and Mirjam Palosaari Eladhari and Anna Troisi and Ana O Henriques and Ar Grek and Gareth Mcmurchy and Ray Lc and Sara Nabil and Jacinta Jardine and Robert Collins and Andrey Vlasov and Yana Knight and Michele Cremaschi and Silvia Carderelli-Gronau and Claudia Núñez-Pacheco and Gisela Reyes-Cruz and Jean-Philippe Riviere},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3613905.3644069
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/03/3623509.3633359.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3613905.3644069},
isbn = {9798400703317},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-01-01},
booktitle = {Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Honolulu, HI, USA},
series = {CHI EA '24},
abstract = {When thinking of arts in HCI, one might be tempted to keep one’s eyes focused on prominent realms such as sketching for UX Design and design probes from participants. A closer look shows that practices go beyond this, involving a variety of arts-based expressions by researchers, the researched and third parties, e.g. graphic facilitators. Inspired by Toselli’s Sketchnote Army Travelling Sketchbook, researchers and artists contributed to a ’Travelling Sketchbook for Arts in HCI’, showcasing their arts-based practice in HCI. The resulting sketchbook explores the intersection between HCI and artistic expression, illuminating what it means to use art in HCI. It shows the breadth of Arts in HCI, illustrating the many fruitful possibilities for extending existing research and dissemination methods in HCI. It also calls into question current practices, which often do not recognise the significance of artist attribution, and, in turn, advocates for equal authorship between principal researchers and contributing artists.},
keywords = {},
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}
When thinking of arts in HCI, one might be tempted to keep one’s eyes focused on prominent realms such as sketching for UX Design and design probes from participants. A closer look shows that practices go beyond this, involving a variety of arts-based expressions by researchers, the researched and third parties, e.g. graphic facilitators. Inspired by Toselli’s Sketchnote Army Travelling Sketchbook, researchers and artists contributed to a ’Travelling Sketchbook for Arts in HCI’, showcasing their arts-based practice in HCI. The resulting sketchbook explores the intersection between HCI and artistic expression, illuminating what it means to use art in HCI. It shows the breadth of Arts in HCI, illustrating the many fruitful possibilities for extending existing research and dissemination methods in HCI. It also calls into question current practices, which often do not recognise the significance of artist attribution, and, in turn, advocates for equal authorship between principal researchers and contributing artists.
Lee Jones, Greta Grip, Boris Kourtoukov, Varvara Guljajeva, Mar Canet Sola, Sara Nabil
Knitting Interactive Spaces: Fabricating Data Physicalizations of Local Community Visitors with Circular Knitting Machines Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Eighteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Cork, Ireland, 2024, ISBN: 9798400704024.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3623509.3633359,
title = {Knitting Interactive Spaces: Fabricating Data Physicalizations of Local Community Visitors with Circular Knitting Machines},
author = {Lee Jones and Greta Grip and Boris Kourtoukov and Varvara Guljajeva and Mar Canet Sola and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3623509.3633359
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/03/3623509.3633359.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3623509.3633359},
isbn = {9798400704024},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Eighteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Cork, Ireland},
series = {TEI '24},
abstract = {Innovations in digital fabrication technologies are increasingly enabling artists and designers to create data physicalizations in real time. In this paper, we discuss how we adapted a circular knitting machine to physicalize visitors at a local art gallery during the pandemic recovery year. To evaluate this year-long installation, we conducted design critiques with 15 individuals including those who worked in the building and lived alongside it for a year, as well as subject matter experts. We then iteratively worked with 11 of those individuals to gain insights for re-deploying the visualization for interpretation. Overall, this paper contributes long-term reflections and recommendations for using digital fabrication for real-time data physicalizations.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Innovations in digital fabrication technologies are increasingly enabling artists and designers to create data physicalizations in real time. In this paper, we discuss how we adapted a circular knitting machine to physicalize visitors at a local art gallery during the pandemic recovery year. To evaluate this year-long installation, we conducted design critiques with 15 individuals including those who worked in the building and lived alongside it for a year, as well as subject matter experts. We then iteratively worked with 11 of those individuals to gain insights for re-deploying the visualization for interpretation. Overall, this paper contributes long-term reflections and recommendations for using digital fabrication for real-time data physicalizations.
Ahmed Awad, Salma Ibrahim, Sara Nabil
Integrating e-Threads: Properties of Conductive Threads for Electrical Connectivity Using Computational Weaving of Smart Textiles Proceedings Article
In: 2024 IEEE Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE), pp. 643–647, IEEE 2024.
@inproceedings{awad2024integrating,
title = {Integrating e-Threads: Properties of Conductive Threads for Electrical Connectivity Using Computational Weaving of Smart Textiles},
author = {Ahmed Awad and Salma Ibrahim and Sara Nabil},
doi = {10.1109/CCECE59415.2024.10667151},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-01-01},
booktitle = {2024 IEEE Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE)},
pages = {643–647},
organization = {IEEE},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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}
2023
Lee Jones, Alaa Nousir, Tom Everrett, Sara Nabil
Tangible, Public, and Miniature Creative Exchanges: What HCI and Design Researchers Can Learn From the Free Little Art Gallery Movement Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 15th Conference on Creativity and Cognition, pp. 413–428, Association for Computing Machinery, Virtual Event, USA, 2023, ISBN: 9798400701801.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3591196.3593433,
title = {Tangible, Public, and Miniature Creative Exchanges: What HCI and Design Researchers Can Learn From the Free Little Art Gallery Movement},
author = {Lee Jones and Alaa Nousir and Tom Everrett and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3591196.3593433
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/FLAG___C_C_resubmit.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3591196.3593433},
isbn = {9798400701801},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 15th Conference on Creativity and Cognition},
pages = {413–428},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Virtual Event, USA},
series = {C&C '23},
abstract = {HCI researchers are continually exploring new ways of engaging the public in participatory design and bringing creative making research activities to new audiences. In this paper, we interviewed individuals who independently began public and DIY installations for sharing miniature art among their neighbours. During the COVID-19 pandemic, participatory miniature art exchanges, commonly known as Free Little Art Galleries (FLAGs), organically spread in response to lockdowns and institutional constraints. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 20 FLAG ‘curators’ to understand the implications involved in setting up and maintaining these long-term deployments. From the analysis of these interviews, we provide 5 practical recommendations on supporting these types of deployments, and discuss how HCI researchers can expand upon these DIY participatory practices to bring creative ideation activities on the future of technology to broader audiences.},
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HCI researchers are continually exploring new ways of engaging the public in participatory design and bringing creative making research activities to new audiences. In this paper, we interviewed individuals who independently began public and DIY installations for sharing miniature art among their neighbours. During the COVID-19 pandemic, participatory miniature art exchanges, commonly known as Free Little Art Galleries (FLAGs), organically spread in response to lockdowns and institutional constraints. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 20 FLAG ‘curators’ to understand the implications involved in setting up and maintaining these long-term deployments. From the analysis of these interviews, we provide 5 practical recommendations on supporting these types of deployments, and discuss how HCI researchers can expand upon these DIY participatory practices to bring creative ideation activities on the future of technology to broader audiences.
Lee Jones, Alaa Nousir, Renee (Xinyu) Chen, Anne Liu, Meara Donovan, Eliza Wallace, Sara Nabil
Making From Home: Reflections on Crafting Tangible Interfaces for Stay-at-home Living Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Warsaw, Poland, 2023, ISBN: 9781450399777.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3569009.3572744,
title = {Making From Home: Reflections on Crafting Tangible Interfaces for Stay-at-home Living},
author = {Lee Jones and Alaa Nousir and Renee (Xinyu) Chen and Anne Liu and Meara Donovan and Eliza Wallace and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3569009.3572744
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/01/tei23-19-1.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3569009.3572744},
isbn = {9781450399777},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Warsaw, Poland},
series = {TEI '23},
abstract = {Pandemic lockdowns created new barriers for HCI researchers, but also provided new opportunities for deeper engagement and reflection in our home environments. Five participants were introduced with a design brief on self-isolation and engaged 12 of their friends and family in the design process of in-the-isolated-wild deployments. By analysing the design process, we found that –while ‘making from home’– our participants noticed the subtlety of the interactions and materials, the processes of remembrance embedded in craft, the use of imperfection and metaphor in homeware, and how ambient presence can provide emotional support. We then conducted a follow-up study on the benefits and limitations of using a crafting approach while ‘making from home’ and discuss the tensions that novices experience while designing TUIs in such an environment. Our results expand the literature by highlighting the benefits, limitations, and trade-offs of user-led design, DIY user empowerment, and harnessing the power of craft.},
keywords = {},
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Pandemic lockdowns created new barriers for HCI researchers, but also provided new opportunities for deeper engagement and reflection in our home environments. Five participants were introduced with a design brief on self-isolation and engaged 12 of their friends and family in the design process of in-the-isolated-wild deployments. By analysing the design process, we found that –while ‘making from home’– our participants noticed the subtlety of the interactions and materials, the processes of remembrance embedded in craft, the use of imperfection and metaphor in homeware, and how ambient presence can provide emotional support. We then conducted a follow-up study on the benefits and limitations of using a crafting approach while ‘making from home’ and discuss the tensions that novices experience while designing TUIs in such an environment. Our results expand the literature by highlighting the benefits, limitations, and trade-offs of user-led design, DIY user empowerment, and harnessing the power of craft.
Daniel Gagnon-King, Lee Jones, Sara Nabil
Interactive Stained-Glass: Exploring a new design space of traditional hybrid crafts for novel fabrication methods Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Warsaw, Poland, 2023, ISBN: 9781450399777.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3569009.3572796,
title = {Interactive Stained-Glass: Exploring a new design space of traditional hybrid crafts for novel fabrication methods},
author = {Daniel Gagnon-King and Lee Jones and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3569009.3572796
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/01/stainedglass.pdf
https://youtu.be/ceSS-T5mdNo},
doi = {10.1145/3569009.3572796},
isbn = {9781450399777},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Warsaw, Poland},
series = {TEI '23},
abstract = {Stained-glass is a craft with a wealth of opportunities that blends seamlessly into our everyday environments. Despite sharing similar tools and materials with other types of hybrid crafting, authentic stained glass is underexplored in HCI. We introduce stained-glass to TUI researchers, explain the fabrication process thoroughly (using the traditional methods of both copper foil and lead came), and explore its potential as a conductive substrate for interactivity. We contribute fabrication techniques to support various circuit connection traces, light diffusion methods, interactivities, and aesthetic qualities. We also introduce three potential applications as proof of method validity in different contexts. We follow this with a discussion on experiential outcomes and the importance of creative practices in the development of interactive artefacts.},
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Stained-glass is a craft with a wealth of opportunities that blends seamlessly into our everyday environments. Despite sharing similar tools and materials with other types of hybrid crafting, authentic stained glass is underexplored in HCI. We introduce stained-glass to TUI researchers, explain the fabrication process thoroughly (using the traditional methods of both copper foil and lead came), and explore its potential as a conductive substrate for interactivity. We contribute fabrication techniques to support various circuit connection traces, light diffusion methods, interactivities, and aesthetic qualities. We also introduce three potential applications as proof of method validity in different contexts. We follow this with a discussion on experiential outcomes and the importance of creative practices in the development of interactive artefacts.
Lee Jones, Alaa Nousir, Tom Everrett, Sara Nabil
Libraries of Things: Understanding the Challenges of Sharing Tangible Collections and the Opportunities for HCI Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Association for Computing Machinery, Hamburg, Germany, 2023, ISBN: 9781450394215.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3544548.3581094,
title = {Libraries of Things: Understanding the Challenges of Sharing Tangible Collections and the Opportunities for HCI},
author = {Lee Jones and Alaa Nousir and Tom Everrett and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3544548.3581094
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Library_of_Things_CHI23.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3544548.3581094},
isbn = {9781450394215},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Hamburg, Germany},
series = {CHI '23},
abstract = {“Libraries of Things” are tangible collections of borrowable objects. There are many benefits to Libraries of Things such as making objects and skill-building accessible, reducing waste through the sharing of items, and saving costs associated with purchasing rarely-used items. We introduce the first HCI study of Library of Things by interviewing 23 librarians who run a variety of collections such as handheld tools, gear, and musical instruments – within public institutions and more grass-roots efforts in the private sector. In our findings, we discuss the challenges these collections experience in changing behavioural patterns from buying to borrowing, helping individuals ‘try new things’, iterating to find sharable items, training staff, and manual intervention throughout the borrowing cycle. We present 5 opportunities for HCI research to support interactive skill-sharing, self-borrowing, maintenance recognition and cataloguing ‘things’, organizing non-uniform inventories, and creating public-awareness. Further in-the-wild studies should also consider the tensions between the values of these organizations and low-cost convenient usage.},
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“Libraries of Things” are tangible collections of borrowable objects. There are many benefits to Libraries of Things such as making objects and skill-building accessible, reducing waste through the sharing of items, and saving costs associated with purchasing rarely-used items. We introduce the first HCI study of Library of Things by interviewing 23 librarians who run a variety of collections such as handheld tools, gear, and musical instruments – within public institutions and more grass-roots efforts in the private sector. In our findings, we discuss the challenges these collections experience in changing behavioural patterns from buying to borrowing, helping individuals ‘try new things’, iterating to find sharable items, training staff, and manual intervention throughout the borrowing cycle. We present 5 opportunities for HCI research to support interactive skill-sharing, self-borrowing, maintenance recognition and cataloguing ‘things’, organizing non-uniform inventories, and creating public-awareness. Further in-the-wild studies should also consider the tensions between the values of these organizations and low-cost convenient usage.
Pouya M Khorsandi, Lee Jones, Vandad Davoodnia, Timothy J Lampen, Aliya Conrad, Ali Etemad, Sara Nabil
FabriCar: Enriching the User Experience of In-Car Media Interactions with Ubiquitous Vehicle Interiors using E-textile Sensors Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2023 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference, pp. 1438–1456, Association for Computing Machinery, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 2023, ISBN: 9781450398930.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3563657.3595988,
title = {FabriCar: Enriching the User Experience of In-Car Media Interactions with Ubiquitous Vehicle Interiors using E-textile Sensors},
author = {Pouya M Khorsandi and Lee Jones and Vandad Davoodnia and Timothy J Lampen and Aliya Conrad and Ali Etemad and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3563657.3595988
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/dis23a-sub8279-cam-i15-1.pdf
https://youtu.be/LPbPBgvgHTQ},
doi = {10.1145/3563657.3595988},
isbn = {9781450398930},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2023 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference},
pages = {1438–1456},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Pittsburgh, PA, USA},
series = {DIS '23},
abstract = {This work explores e-textiles in the design space of Human-Vehicle Interaction (HVI) and compares distraction levels between e-textile and screen-based interactions during driving tasks. We developed three prototypes (in the steering wheel, headrest cover, and seat-belt pad) to support tactile interactions (tap, press, and swipe) with car interior elements for non-driving applications (such as media control). Our designs used digital embroidery to achieve aesthetic design qualities and wireless connection. In a deployment study with 16 participants, we collected quantitative and qualitative data through video recording, field observations, and user interviews. The study repeated all scenarios using screen-based interaction for comparison. Our findings present insights into fabric-based sensors including fewer collisions and a 302.7% decrease in eye distraction. These findings suggest new design opportunities, such as retrofitting existing vehicles, designing ideation toolkits for diverse users, devising an e-textile Fitts’ Law for reachability, and expanding vehicle interaction research within the HCI community.},
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This work explores e-textiles in the design space of Human-Vehicle Interaction (HVI) and compares distraction levels between e-textile and screen-based interactions during driving tasks. We developed three prototypes (in the steering wheel, headrest cover, and seat-belt pad) to support tactile interactions (tap, press, and swipe) with car interior elements for non-driving applications (such as media control). Our designs used digital embroidery to achieve aesthetic design qualities and wireless connection. In a deployment study with 16 participants, we collected quantitative and qualitative data through video recording, field observations, and user interviews. The study repeated all scenarios using screen-based interaction for comparison. Our findings present insights into fabric-based sensors including fewer collisions and a 302.7% decrease in eye distraction. These findings suggest new design opportunities, such as retrofitting existing vehicles, designing ideation toolkits for diverse users, devising an e-textile Fitts’ Law for reachability, and expanding vehicle interaction research within the HCI community.
Lee Jones, Greta Grip, Sara Nabil
Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve: Using Digital Knitting Machines to Craft Wearable Biodata Portraits Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2023 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference, pp. 547–563, Association for Computing Machinery, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 2023, ISBN: 9781450398930.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3563657.3596007,
title = {Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve: Using Digital Knitting Machines to Craft Wearable Biodata Portraits},
author = {Lee Jones and Greta Grip and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3563657.3596007
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/dis23a-sub2540-cam-i15-1.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3563657.3596007},
isbn = {9781450398930},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2023 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference},
pages = {547–563},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Pittsburgh, PA, USA},
series = {DIS '23},
abstract = {Biofeedback sensors that measure body signals, such as heart rate, are often used for bodily awareness and behavioural change. In contrast, for this project, we wanted to use body sensor data as an artistic resource to craft wearable textile portraits as mementos of a moment in time. During the pandemic, we conducted a user study to design knitted biodata portraits. We met up individually with 20 participants to measure their heart rate, and translated that data into digitally-designed aesthetic patterns for machine knitting. Using a hacked knitting machine, we fabricated these patterns to create 20 personalized wearable shrugs to enable individuals to “wear their heart on their sleeve”. Two years later, when it was safe to do so, we conducted 2 studio workshops with participants, followed by 10 individual interviews. Our qualitative study insights reveal how individuals felt about seeing their own biodata, and the biodata of others, as aesthetic machine-knitted wearables with perceived precious value and attachment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Biofeedback sensors that measure body signals, such as heart rate, are often used for bodily awareness and behavioural change. In contrast, for this project, we wanted to use body sensor data as an artistic resource to craft wearable textile portraits as mementos of a moment in time. During the pandemic, we conducted a user study to design knitted biodata portraits. We met up individually with 20 participants to measure their heart rate, and translated that data into digitally-designed aesthetic patterns for machine knitting. Using a hacked knitting machine, we fabricated these patterns to create 20 personalized wearable shrugs to enable individuals to “wear their heart on their sleeve”. Two years later, when it was safe to do so, we conducted 2 studio workshops with participants, followed by 10 individual interviews. Our qualitative study insights reveal how individuals felt about seeing their own biodata, and the biodata of others, as aesthetic machine-knitted wearables with perceived precious value and attachment.
2022
Angelika Strohmayer, Laura Cortés-Rico, Tania Pérez-Bustos, Afroditi Psarra, Daniela Rosner, Özge Subasi, Irene Posch, Sara Nabil, Jihan Sherman
In: Proceedings of the Participatory Design Conference 2022 - Volume 2, pp. 259–262, Association for Computing Machinery, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, 2022, ISBN: 9781450396813.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3537797.3537880,
title = {Justice-oriented Participatory Electronic Textile Making: Fostering shared spaces of knowledge dialogues through the process of making, un-making, and re-making justice-oriented participatory praxis},
author = {Angelika Strohmayer and Laura Cortés-Rico and Tania Pérez-Bustos and Afroditi Psarra and Daniela Rosner and Özge Subasi and Irene Posch and Sara Nabil and Jihan Sherman},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3537797.3537880},
doi = {10.1145/3537797.3537880},
isbn = {9781450396813},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2022-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Participatory Design Conference 2022 - Volume 2},
pages = {259–262},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom},
series = {PDC '22},
abstract = {Participatory Design and Participatory Textiles Practices have only recently begun to address their shared roots in notions of solidarity and community-building, as well as movements towards more just worlds. With this workshop, we hope to address, unpick, and strengthen them, by building an interdisciplinary and international community. Our workshop will focus on the processes involved in Participatory Design and Participatory Textiles Practice rather than outcomes, allowing us to acknowledge the need for continuous work and effort, project and relationships maintenance, and so on; and allowing us to appreciate that this work may never be complete. We will do this through fostering shared spaces of knowledge dialogues through the process of making, un-making, and re-making our projects metaphorically and physically.},
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Participatory Design and Participatory Textiles Practices have only recently begun to address their shared roots in notions of solidarity and community-building, as well as movements towards more just worlds. With this workshop, we hope to address, unpick, and strengthen them, by building an interdisciplinary and international community. Our workshop will focus on the processes involved in Participatory Design and Participatory Textiles Practice rather than outcomes, allowing us to acknowledge the need for continuous work and effort, project and relationships maintenance, and so on; and allowing us to appreciate that this work may never be complete. We will do this through fostering shared spaces of knowledge dialogues through the process of making, un-making, and re-making our projects metaphorically and physically.
Lee Jones, Sara Nabil
Goldwork Embroidery: Interviews with Practitioners on Working with Metal Threads and Opportunities for E-textile Hybrid Crafts Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 14th Conference on Creativity and Cognition, pp. 364–379, Association for Computing Machinery, Venice, Italy, 2022, ISBN: 9781450393270.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3527927.3532809,
title = {Goldwork Embroidery: Interviews with Practitioners on Working with Metal Threads and Opportunities for E-textile Hybrid Crafts},
author = {Lee Jones and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3527927.3532809
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/01/3527927.3532809.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3527927.3532809},
isbn = {9781450393270},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2022-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 14th Conference on Creativity and Cognition},
pages = {364–379},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Venice, Italy},
series = {C&C '22},
abstract = {Within the emerging field of e-textiles, goldwork embroidery (also known as metalwork) which uses metal threads and materials is an underexplored area, despite being a centuries-old practice in traditional crafts of different cultures. In this paper, we explore the material culture of textile goldwork to better understand how e-textile researchers can leverage their material properties, palette, and practices. First, we provide a historical background of English goldwork to give HCI researchers context on this craft field including technological and cultural influences. Then, we interview 13 contemporary goldwork practitioners on their creative practice to better understand the tools, techniques, and skills they employ. Our study findings show how goldwork practitioners deal with the unique constraints of metal threads and materials, and how these materials need to be handled differently than regular non-metal threads and fibers. This paper contributes an analysis of goldwork practices for HCI audiences with suggestions on how we can leverage these practices for the future of e-textile hybrid crafts.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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}
Within the emerging field of e-textiles, goldwork embroidery (also known as metalwork) which uses metal threads and materials is an underexplored area, despite being a centuries-old practice in traditional crafts of different cultures. In this paper, we explore the material culture of textile goldwork to better understand how e-textile researchers can leverage their material properties, palette, and practices. First, we provide a historical background of English goldwork to give HCI researchers context on this craft field including technological and cultural influences. Then, we interview 13 contemporary goldwork practitioners on their creative practice to better understand the tools, techniques, and skills they employ. Our study findings show how goldwork practitioners deal with the unique constraints of metal threads and materials, and how these materials need to be handled differently than regular non-metal threads and fibers. This paper contributes an analysis of goldwork practices for HCI audiences with suggestions on how we can leverage these practices for the future of e-textile hybrid crafts.
Pouya M Khorsandi, Alaa Nousir, Sara Nabil
Functioning E-Textile Sensors for Car Infotainment Applications Journal Article
In: Engineering Proceedings, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 22, 2022.
@article{khorsandi2022functioning,
title = {Functioning E-Textile Sensors for Car Infotainment Applications},
author = {Pouya M Khorsandi and Alaa Nousir and Sara Nabil},
doi = {10.3390/engproc2022015022},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Engineering Proceedings},
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Alaa Nousir, Renee (Xinyu) Chen, Anne Liu, Meara Donovan, Eliza Wallace, Lee Jones, Sara Nabil
COVIDware: Designing Interactive Everyday Things as Tangible Homeware for Social Isolation Journal Article
In: Interaction Design & Architecture(s) Journal (IxD&A), vol. 54, iss. 9, pp. 209–240, 2022.
@article{nousir2022covidware,
title = {COVIDware: Designing Interactive Everyday Things as Tangible Homeware for Social Isolation},
author = {Alaa Nousir and Renee (Xinyu) Chen and Anne Liu and Meara Donovan and Eliza Wallace and Lee Jones and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/54_9.pdf},
doi = {10.55612/s-5002-054-009},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Interaction Design & Architecture(s) Journal (IxD&A)},
volume = {54},
issue = {9},
pages = {209–240},
abstract = {This paper describes our collaborative journey of creating everyday interactive artefacts to help us think, reflect, and live through self-isolation.
Through a co-design approach, we designed interactive homeware objects (that we collectively refer to as ‘COVIDware’) to address the challenges of isolation
during the pandemic. Five artefacts were developed by self-isolated designers as interactive art installations. We discuss how each creator reflected on her design
concept, process, and encounter through concepts of critical making, speculation, and engagement via in-the-isolated-wild deployments. By empowering early
researchers/enthusiasts to design ‘with’ smart-materials, and off-the-shelf items, we reflect on how these homey interfaces can enhance people’s wellbeing beyond
screen-based interactions. Despite not collaborating in the making process, our findings from the designer’s making process show how all the designed artefacts
shared attributes of biophilic design, imperfection, and unconventional interactions with the overarching goal of promoting wellbeing, and meaningful connection with nature, self, and others.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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This paper describes our collaborative journey of creating everyday interactive artefacts to help us think, reflect, and live through self-isolation.
Through a co-design approach, we designed interactive homeware objects (that we collectively refer to as ‘COVIDware’) to address the challenges of isolation
during the pandemic. Five artefacts were developed by self-isolated designers as interactive art installations. We discuss how each creator reflected on her design
concept, process, and encounter through concepts of critical making, speculation, and engagement via in-the-isolated-wild deployments. By empowering early
researchers/enthusiasts to design ‘with’ smart-materials, and off-the-shelf items, we reflect on how these homey interfaces can enhance people’s wellbeing beyond
screen-based interactions. Despite not collaborating in the making process, our findings from the designer’s making process show how all the designed artefacts
shared attributes of biophilic design, imperfection, and unconventional interactions with the overarching goal of promoting wellbeing, and meaningful connection with nature, self, and others.
Through a co-design approach, we designed interactive homeware objects (that we collectively refer to as ‘COVIDware’) to address the challenges of isolation
during the pandemic. Five artefacts were developed by self-isolated designers as interactive art installations. We discuss how each creator reflected on her design
concept, process, and encounter through concepts of critical making, speculation, and engagement via in-the-isolated-wild deployments. By empowering early
researchers/enthusiasts to design ‘with’ smart-materials, and off-the-shelf items, we reflect on how these homey interfaces can enhance people’s wellbeing beyond
screen-based interactions. Despite not collaborating in the making process, our findings from the designer’s making process show how all the designed artefacts
shared attributes of biophilic design, imperfection, and unconventional interactions with the overarching goal of promoting wellbeing, and meaningful connection with nature, self, and others.
2021
Pouya M Khorsandi, Alaa Nousir, Sara Nabil
Designing e-textile sensors and actuators for infotainment interaction in cars Proceedings Article
In: E-Textiles Conference, Manchester, UK, 2021.
@inproceedings{khorsandi2021e-textile,
title = {Designing e-textile sensors and actuators for infotainment interaction in cars},
author = {Pouya M Khorsandi and Alaa Nousir and Sara Nabil},
url = {https://e-textilesconference.com/poster-presentations-2/},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-11-01},
urldate = {2021-11-01},
booktitle = {E-Textiles Conference},
address = {Manchester, UK},
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Pouya M Khorsandi, Sara Nabil
Interactive Interior Spaces in Cars using e-textiles Proceedings Article
In: WomENcourage Conference, Prague, Czech Republic, 2021.
@inproceedings{khorsandi2021interactive,
title = {Interactive Interior Spaces in Cars using e-textiles},
author = {Pouya M Khorsandi and Sara Nabil},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-09-01},
booktitle = {WomENcourage Conference},
address = {Prague, Czech Republic},
abstract = {Future vehicles are envisioned to enable much more functions than
mere transportation and -with the rise of automated vehicles- cars
will be living spaces that support an array of activities beyond driving. While current research mostly focuses on user interaction with
in-car systems to enhance usability, performance and functionality,
we focus on enhancing experience of users and the aspects of enjoying non-driving activities by using e-textiles. This paper introduces
e-textiles (i.e. fabric-based sensors, circuits and actuators) to the
design space of human-vehicle interaction (HVI) to enrich user
experience within car interiors. Through this research, we aim to
introduce a new modality to in-car interactions through e-textiles
and design user interfaces for drivers and passengers according to
user experience goals.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Future vehicles are envisioned to enable much more functions than
mere transportation and -with the rise of automated vehicles- cars
will be living spaces that support an array of activities beyond driving. While current research mostly focuses on user interaction with
in-car systems to enhance usability, performance and functionality,
we focus on enhancing experience of users and the aspects of enjoying non-driving activities by using e-textiles. This paper introduces
e-textiles (i.e. fabric-based sensors, circuits and actuators) to the
design space of human-vehicle interaction (HVI) to enrich user
experience within car interiors. Through this research, we aim to
introduce a new modality to in-car interactions through e-textiles
and design user interfaces for drivers and passengers according to
user experience goals.
mere transportation and -with the rise of automated vehicles- cars
will be living spaces that support an array of activities beyond driving. While current research mostly focuses on user interaction with
in-car systems to enhance usability, performance and functionality,
we focus on enhancing experience of users and the aspects of enjoying non-driving activities by using e-textiles. This paper introduces
e-textiles (i.e. fabric-based sensors, circuits and actuators) to the
design space of human-vehicle interaction (HVI) to enrich user
experience within car interiors. Through this research, we aim to
introduce a new modality to in-car interactions through e-textiles
and design user interfaces for drivers and passengers according to
user experience goals.
Lee Jones, Miriam Sturdee, Sara Nabil, Audrey Girouard
Punch-Sketching E-textiles: Exploring Punch Needle as a Technique for Sustainable, Accessible, and Iterative Physical Prototyping with E-textiles Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Salzburg, Austria, 2021, ISBN: 9781450382137.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3430524.3440640,
title = {Punch-Sketching E-textiles: Exploring Punch Needle as a Technique for Sustainable, Accessible, and Iterative Physical Prototyping with E-textiles},
author = {Lee Jones and Miriam Sturdee and Sara Nabil and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3430524.3440640
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/02/3430524.3440640.pdf
https://youtu.be/Ho93SHV_72k},
doi = {10.1145/3430524.3440640},
isbn = {9781450382137},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Salzburg, Austria},
series = {TEI '21},
abstract = {Tangible toolkits enable individuals to explore concepts through combining components together and taking them apart. The strength and limitation of many e-textile toolkits is that threads hold them in place, and once put together they need destructive methods to take them apart. In this paper, we propose Punch-Sketching e-textiles, a drawing technique that uses a punch needle to iteratively prototype soft circuits. The benefits of this approach is sustainability and reusability where users can easily pull out circuits without damaging the materials or creating waste, while also testing out concepts using the actual threads that will be used in the final prototype. To validate our technique, we ran three studies comparing sewing and punching e-textiles through: 1) Understanding the process with two fiber artists; 2) Exploring the potential with four beginner users; and 3) Utilizing our methods further with 10 occupational therapists. Insights from these three studies include when and how to use each method, toolkit recommendations, considerations for iterative physical prototyping, sustainability, and accessibility.},
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}
Tangible toolkits enable individuals to explore concepts through combining components together and taking them apart. The strength and limitation of many e-textile toolkits is that threads hold them in place, and once put together they need destructive methods to take them apart. In this paper, we propose Punch-Sketching e-textiles, a drawing technique that uses a punch needle to iteratively prototype soft circuits. The benefits of this approach is sustainability and reusability where users can easily pull out circuits without damaging the materials or creating waste, while also testing out concepts using the actual threads that will be used in the final prototype. To validate our technique, we ran three studies comparing sewing and punching e-textiles through: 1) Understanding the process with two fiber artists; 2) Exploring the potential with four beginner users; and 3) Utilizing our methods further with 10 occupational therapists. Insights from these three studies include when and how to use each method, toolkit recommendations, considerations for iterative physical prototyping, sustainability, and accessibility.
Xiaotian Liu, Victoria Armstrong, Sara Nabil, Christian Muise
Exploring multi-view perspectives on deep reinforcement learning agents for embodied object navigation in virtual home environments Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 31st Annual International Conference on Computer Science and Software Engineering, pp. 190–195, IBM Corp., Toronto, Canada, 2021.
@inproceedings{10.5555/3507788.3507815,
title = {Exploring multi-view perspectives on deep reinforcement learning agents for embodied object navigation in virtual home environments},
author = {Xiaotian Liu and Victoria Armstrong and Sara Nabil and Christian Muise},
url = {https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/08/CASCON_x_EVOKE_Armstrong21.pdf},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 31st Annual International Conference on Computer Science and Software Engineering},
pages = {190–195},
publisher = {IBM Corp.},
address = {Toronto, Canada},
series = {CASCON '21},
abstract = {Recent years have brought the exploration of embodied reinforcement learning agents in a variety of domains. One of the advantages of artificial agents is that they can obtain visual inputs simultaneously using multiple input devices. This work explores multi-view reinforcement learning for object navigation tasks in 3D rendered virtual home environments using AI2-THOR. We trained CNN based Deep Q-learning embodied agents with egocentric, allocentric, and combined egocentric-allocentric perspectives to locate an object in an unknown environment. We compared the results of the three RL agents, and evaluated them by both reward improvement rate, and reward obtained. We demonstrate that the egocentric perspective allows for faster reward accumulation in the earlier episodes, whereas the allocentric agents obtained better long-term rewards. Interesting results arise from the combined allocentric and egocentric perspective, where we found that the agent had the best overall results by harnessing the benefits of each perspective. The results show that while single perspective embodied agents each have their own advantages, combining both inputs yields the best overall reward. Our findings provide a foundation and benchmark for building embodied RL agents with multi-view perspectives.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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}
Recent years have brought the exploration of embodied reinforcement learning agents in a variety of domains. One of the advantages of artificial agents is that they can obtain visual inputs simultaneously using multiple input devices. This work explores multi-view reinforcement learning for object navigation tasks in 3D rendered virtual home environments using AI2-THOR. We trained CNN based Deep Q-learning embodied agents with egocentric, allocentric, and combined egocentric-allocentric perspectives to locate an object in an unknown environment. We compared the results of the three RL agents, and evaluated them by both reward improvement rate, and reward obtained. We demonstrate that the egocentric perspective allows for faster reward accumulation in the earlier episodes, whereas the allocentric agents obtained better long-term rewards. Interesting results arise from the combined allocentric and egocentric perspective, where we found that the agent had the best overall results by harnessing the benefits of each perspective. The results show that while single perspective embodied agents each have their own advantages, combining both inputs yields the best overall reward. Our findings provide a foundation and benchmark for building embodied RL agents with multi-view perspectives.
Aditi Singh, Sara Nabil, Anne Roudaut, Audrey Girouard
Co-designing Tangible Break Reminders with People with Repetitive Strain Injury Proceedings Article
In: Human-Computer Interaction – INTERACT 2021: 18th IFIP TC 13 International Conference, Bari, Italy, August 30 – September 3, 2021, Proceedings, Part I, pp. 289–311, Springer-Verlag, Bari, Italy, 2021, ISBN: 978-3-030-85622-9.
@inproceedings{10.1007/978-3-030-85623-6_18,
title = {Co-designing Tangible Break Reminders with People with Repetitive Strain Injury},
author = {Aditi Singh and Sara Nabil and Anne Roudaut and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1007/978-3-030-85623-6_18
https://youtu.be/gElE9fRYhtA},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-85623-6_18},
isbn = {978-3-030-85622-9},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
booktitle = {Human-Computer Interaction – INTERACT 2021: 18th IFIP TC 13 International Conference, Bari, Italy, August 30 – September 3, 2021, Proceedings, Part I},
pages = {289–311},
publisher = {Springer-Verlag},
address = {Bari, Italy},
abstract = {People with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) performing computer work for 4+ hours/day should take microbreaks every hour to reduce their symptoms. Unlike apps and notifications, tangible user interfaces offer the opportunity to provide non-focus-demanding and calm break-reminders in users’ periphery. This paper explores this design space to identify the design parameters of break-reminders as everyday things. First, we discuss and analyze our initial co-designing study, where 11 participants with RSI created 9 low-fidelity prototypes. Then, we present our results-led high-fidelity prototypes and demonstrate the use of the findings in directing the design decisions of the technical implementation. Finally, we take our designs back to users in a second study to gain deeper insight on their reflection on physical break reminders. Results show how users designed for calmness and ubiquity in their everyday environment, playful user engagement and emotional shape-shifting among other design qualities.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
People with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) performing computer work for 4+ hours/day should take microbreaks every hour to reduce their symptoms. Unlike apps and notifications, tangible user interfaces offer the opportunity to provide non-focus-demanding and calm break-reminders in users’ periphery. This paper explores this design space to identify the design parameters of break-reminders as everyday things. First, we discuss and analyze our initial co-designing study, where 11 participants with RSI created 9 low-fidelity prototypes. Then, we present our results-led high-fidelity prototypes and demonstrate the use of the findings in directing the design decisions of the technical implementation. Finally, we take our designs back to users in a second study to gain deeper insight on their reflection on physical break reminders. Results show how users designed for calmness and ubiquity in their everyday environment, playful user engagement and emotional shape-shifting among other design qualities.
Sara Nabil, David Kirk
Decoraction: a Catalogue for Interactive Home Decor of the Nearest-Future Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Salzburg, Austria, 2021, ISBN: 9781450382137.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3430524.3446074,
title = {Decoraction: a Catalogue for Interactive Home Decor of the Nearest-Future},
author = {Sara Nabil and David Kirk},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3430524.3446074
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/02/3430524.3446074-compressed.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3430524.3446074},
isbn = {9781450382137},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Salzburg, Austria},
series = {TEI '21},
abstract = {Home decor defines how people experience and share spaces, with the decorative elements forming the ‘interface’ to the home. Despite the opportunities of embedding technology within these elements, research to date has not explored this fully. This paper brings home decor to interaction design utilizing decorative elements as a vehicle to incorporate tangible interaction in domestic spaces. In an IKEA-like format, we designed a product catalogue of our own prototypes that illustrate the possibilities of the nearest future. These design illustrations should offer inspiration to those who wish to work with interactive materials (e.g. appearance-changing and soft-sensing), particularly in the context of interactive spaces. Through making, situating, and speculating, we show how designing interactive decor can be a promising area in Research-though-Design.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Home decor defines how people experience and share spaces, with the decorative elements forming the ‘interface’ to the home. Despite the opportunities of embedding technology within these elements, research to date has not explored this fully. This paper brings home decor to interaction design utilizing decorative elements as a vehicle to incorporate tangible interaction in domestic spaces. In an IKEA-like format, we designed a product catalogue of our own prototypes that illustrate the possibilities of the nearest future. These design illustrations should offer inspiration to those who wish to work with interactive materials (e.g. appearance-changing and soft-sensing), particularly in the context of interactive spaces. Through making, situating, and speculating, we show how designing interactive decor can be a promising area in Research-though-Design.
Lee Jones, Sara Nabil, Audrey Girouard
Wearable Crazy Eights: Wearable Ideation Methods for Encouraging Divergent Design Concepts Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Salzburg, Austria, 2021, ISBN: 9781450382137.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3430524.3442464,
title = {Wearable Crazy Eights: Wearable Ideation Methods for Encouraging Divergent Design Concepts},
author = {Lee Jones and Sara Nabil and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3430524.3442464
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/02/3430524.3442464.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3430524.3442464},
isbn = {9781450382137},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Salzburg, Austria},
series = {TEI '21},
abstract = {Participatory design with wearable users entails engaging people in the design process from the early ideation phases. However, user-generated wearable concepts are often limited by the narrow design space of commercially available wearables. This paper presents an ideation scaffolding method we developed for eliciting wearable concepts, called Wearable Crazy Eights, where participants used an ideation deck and sketched up to 8 concepts in 8 minutes. Herein, we discuss the artifacts produced from our ideation method in a study with 46 participants comparing 3 groups. By comparing the 3 groups we were able to parse the effects of each activity on the resulting ideas. Our contribution is a replicable and customizable ideation method for encouraging outside-the-box thinking in wearable studies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Participatory design with wearable users entails engaging people in the design process from the early ideation phases. However, user-generated wearable concepts are often limited by the narrow design space of commercially available wearables. This paper presents an ideation scaffolding method we developed for eliciting wearable concepts, called Wearable Crazy Eights, where participants used an ideation deck and sketched up to 8 concepts in 8 minutes. Herein, we discuss the artifacts produced from our ideation method in a study with 46 participants comparing 3 groups. By comparing the 3 groups we were able to parse the effects of each activity on the resulting ideas. Our contribution is a replicable and customizable ideation method for encouraging outside-the-box thinking in wearable studies.
Sara Nabil, Lee Jones, Audrey Girouard
Soft Speakers: Digital Embroidering of DIY Customizable Fabric Actuators Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Association for Computing Machinery, Salzburg, Austria, 2021, ISBN: 9781450382137.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3430524.3440630,
title = {Soft Speakers: Digital Embroidering of DIY Customizable Fabric Actuators},
author = {Sara Nabil and Lee Jones and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3430524.3440630
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/02/3430524.3440630-compressed.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq_aqkETook},
doi = {10.1145/3430524.3440630},
isbn = {9781450382137},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Salzburg, Austria},
series = {TEI '21},
abstract = {We introduce Soft Speakers, a systematic approach for designing custom fabric actuators that can be used as audio speakers and vibro-haptic actuators. Digitally-embroidered with e-textiles, we implement Soft Speakers as tactile, malleable and aesthetic designs to be part of wearables, soft furnishing and fabric objects. We present a rapid technique for the DIY fabrication of audio feedback into soft interfaces. We also discuss and evaluate 7 factors for their parametric design in additive and constructive methods. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach and the breadth of new designs that it enables, we developed 5 prototypes: 3 wearables, a piece of furniture and a soft toy. Studying Soft Speakers with maker-users expanded the design space, empowering users and supporting inclusive design. Our study includes insights on user experience of real-world interactive applications for remote communication, e-learning, entertainment, navigation and gaming, enabled by Soft Speakers’ customizable and scalable form factor.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
We introduce Soft Speakers, a systematic approach for designing custom fabric actuators that can be used as audio speakers and vibro-haptic actuators. Digitally-embroidered with e-textiles, we implement Soft Speakers as tactile, malleable and aesthetic designs to be part of wearables, soft furnishing and fabric objects. We present a rapid technique for the DIY fabrication of audio feedback into soft interfaces. We also discuss and evaluate 7 factors for their parametric design in additive and constructive methods. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach and the breadth of new designs that it enables, we developed 5 prototypes: 3 wearables, a piece of furniture and a soft toy. Studying Soft Speakers with maker-users expanded the design space, empowering users and supporting inclusive design. Our study includes insights on user experience of real-world interactive applications for remote communication, e-learning, entertainment, navigation and gaming, enabled by Soft Speakers’ customizable and scalable form factor.
2020
Sara Nabil, Audrey Girouard
Creative interactions lab @ Carleton University Journal Article
In: Interactions, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 16–19, 2020, ISSN: 1072-5520.
@article{10.1145/3389153,
title = {Creative interactions lab @ Carleton University},
author = {Sara Nabil and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3389153
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/IX_May2020_compressed.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3389153},
issn = {1072-5520},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-04-01},
urldate = {2020-04-01},
journal = {Interactions},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {16–19},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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}
Sara Nabil, Richard MacLeod
Peace: Projecting Dual-Identities on Interactive Furniture Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, pp. 837–848, Association for Computing Machinery, Sydney NSW, Australia, 2020, ISBN: 9781450361071.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3374920.3375006,
title = {Peace: Projecting Dual-Identities on Interactive Furniture},
author = {Sara Nabil and Richard MacLeod},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3374920.3375006
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/Peace.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg2iJLDUHSw},
doi = {10.1145/3374920.3375006},
isbn = {9781450361071},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
pages = {837–848},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Sydney NSW, Australia},
series = {TEI '20},
abstract = {The world is promoting inclusion and diversity more than ever before. Many people have dual-identities that they alternate between and may often blend. In our design research we explore everyday objects and the role of technology to accommodate people's needs and personalities. Can furniture change its shape to reflect our dual-identities? Can our interior spaces reveal their hidden aesthetics when interacting with us? We designed a set of matching interactive furniture to unfold these narratives. Our Peace Table and Peace Painting change colour with proximity to reflect the dual identity of Western-Muslims. This pictorial describes our design concept and process with the aim of encouraging the HCI community to design for experiential artwork. Such interactivity can enrich and add new dimensions to the quality of living experience by merging technology into home decor in calm, ubiquitous and non-intrusive ways.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
The world is promoting inclusion and diversity more than ever before. Many people have dual-identities that they alternate between and may often blend. In our design research we explore everyday objects and the role of technology to accommodate people's needs and personalities. Can furniture change its shape to reflect our dual-identities? Can our interior spaces reveal their hidden aesthetics when interacting with us? We designed a set of matching interactive furniture to unfold these narratives. Our Peace Table and Peace Painting change colour with proximity to reflect the dual identity of Western-Muslims. This pictorial describes our design concept and process with the aim of encouraging the HCI community to design for experiential artwork. Such interactivity can enrich and add new dimensions to the quality of living experience by merging technology into home decor in calm, ubiquitous and non-intrusive ways.
Lee Jones, Sara Nabil, Audrey Girouard
Swatch-bits: Prototyping E-textiles with Modular Swatches Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, pp. 893–897, Association for Computing Machinery, Sydney NSW, Australia, 2020, ISBN: 9781450361071.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3374920.3374971,
title = {Swatch-bits: Prototyping E-textiles with Modular Swatches},
author = {Lee Jones and Sara Nabil and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3374920.3374971
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/11/3374920.3374971.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3374920.3374971},
isbn = {9781450361071},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
pages = {893–897},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Sydney NSW, Australia},
series = {TEI '20},
abstract = {The creation of e-textile swatches is a common practice for documenting material experiments, sharing techniques with other practitioners, and for concept ideation. The Creative Interactions Lab has developed a system that turns e-textile swatches into easily connectable "bits" so that swatches can move between being an ideation tool into a prototyping tool(kit). The benefit of this approach is that experimental swatches and ideas for their use can be easily tested in context. In this studio, participants will be invited to bring their own swatches and/or prototypes, will learn how to create modular e-textile swatch-bits, and then we will spend the afternoon making prototypes and will engage in hands-on activities with the modular swatches. The goal of the studio will be to share e-textile prototyping techniques, and to discuss the potential for modular swatches to be incorporated into e-textile prototyping processes.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
The creation of e-textile swatches is a common practice for documenting material experiments, sharing techniques with other practitioners, and for concept ideation. The Creative Interactions Lab has developed a system that turns e-textile swatches into easily connectable "bits" so that swatches can move between being an ideation tool into a prototyping tool(kit). The benefit of this approach is that experimental swatches and ideas for their use can be easily tested in context. In this studio, participants will be invited to bring their own swatches and/or prototypes, will learn how to create modular e-textile swatch-bits, and then we will spend the afternoon making prototypes and will engage in hands-on activities with the modular swatches. The goal of the studio will be to share e-textile prototyping techniques, and to discuss the potential for modular swatches to be incorporated into e-textile prototyping processes.
Lee Jones, Sara Nabil, Amanda McLeod, Audrey Girouard
Wearable Bits: Scaffolding Creativity with a Prototyping Toolkit for Wearable E-textiles Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, pp. 165–177, Association for Computing Machinery, Sydney NSW, Australia, 2020, ISBN: 9781450361071.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3374920.3374954,
title = {Wearable Bits: Scaffolding Creativity with a Prototyping Toolkit for Wearable E-textiles},
author = {Lee Jones and Sara Nabil and Amanda McLeod and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3374920.3374954
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/11/3374920.3374954.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3374920.3374954},
isbn = {9781450361071},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
pages = {165–177},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Sydney NSW, Australia},
series = {TEI '20},
abstract = {Smart garment and wearable e-textile prototypes are difficult to co-design because of the variety of expertise needed (garment design, sewing skills, hardware prototyping, and software programming). To help with this, we developed a toolkit for prototyping wearable e-textiles, named Wearable Bits, which enables co-design with non-expert users without demanding sewing, hardware or software skills. We developed a low-fidelity and medium-fidelity experience prototype of the toolkit and ran a series of workshops where non-expert users designed their own e-textile wearables using Wearable Bits. In this paper, we discuss the ideas they developed, their construction techniques, the roles individuals took on while building, and suggestions for future toolkits.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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}
Smart garment and wearable e-textile prototypes are difficult to co-design because of the variety of expertise needed (garment design, sewing skills, hardware prototyping, and software programming). To help with this, we developed a toolkit for prototyping wearable e-textiles, named Wearable Bits, which enables co-design with non-expert users without demanding sewing, hardware or software skills. We developed a low-fidelity and medium-fidelity experience prototype of the toolkit and ran a series of workshops where non-expert users designed their own e-textile wearables using Wearable Bits. In this paper, we discuss the ideas they developed, their construction techniques, the roles individuals took on while building, and suggestions for future toolkits.
Amanda McLeod, Sara Nabil, Lee Jones, Audrey Girouard
SMAller aid: exploring shape-changing assistive wearables for people with mobility impairment Proceedings Article
In: Adjunct Proceedings of the 2020 ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing and Proceedings of the 2020 ACM International Symposium on Wearable Computers, pp. 86–89, Association for Computing Machinery, Virtual Event, Mexico, 2020, ISBN: 9781450380768.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3410530.3414418,
title = {SMAller aid: exploring shape-changing assistive wearables for people with mobility impairment},
author = {Amanda McLeod and Sara Nabil and Lee Jones and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3410530.3414418
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/11/3410530.3414418.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3410530.3414418},
isbn = {9781450380768},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
booktitle = {Adjunct Proceedings of the 2020 ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing and Proceedings of the 2020 ACM International Symposium on Wearable Computers},
pages = {86–89},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Virtual Event, Mexico},
series = {UbiComp/ISWC '20 Adjunct},
abstract = {Individuals with mobility impairments often discuss the challenges associated with donning and doffing shirts (i.e. putting them on and taking them off). Limited previous work has tackled this issue, but the comfort and aesthetic integrity of the shirt is often forgotten. In this paper, we co-designed an adaptive shirt with individuals with mobility impairments and personal support workers. With the insights from these discussions, we developed an augmented top that transforms wide sizes (for the easy donning and doffing) into their preferred fit. The study resulted in the design of SMAller Aid, which uses Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) springs to retract to a smaller size. The shirt adapts to their needs while retaining its aesthetic integrity to empower them with independence and no required assistance.},
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Individuals with mobility impairments often discuss the challenges associated with donning and doffing shirts (i.e. putting them on and taking them off). Limited previous work has tackled this issue, but the comfort and aesthetic integrity of the shirt is often forgotten. In this paper, we co-designed an adaptive shirt with individuals with mobility impairments and personal support workers. With the insights from these discussions, we developed an augmented top that transforms wide sizes (for the easy donning and doffing) into their preferred fit. The study resulted in the design of SMAller Aid, which uses Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) springs to retract to a smaller size. The shirt adapts to their needs while retaining its aesthetic integrity to empower them with independence and no required assistance.
Daniella Briotto Faustino, Sara Nabil, Audrey Girouard
Bend or PIN: Studying Bend Password Authentication with People with Vision Impairment Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of Graphics Interface 2020, pp. 183 – 191, Canadian Human-Computer Communications Society / Société canadienne du dialogue humain-machine, University of Toronto, 2020, ISBN: 978-0-9947868-5-2.
@inproceedings{Faustino:2020:10.20380/GI2020.19,
title = {Bend or PIN: Studying Bend Password Authentication with People with Vision Impairment},
author = {Daniella Briotto Faustino and Sara Nabil and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/11/bend_or_pin.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLZQ0ePfDvRH4RdsiGjdirTKOzzKhFMZfX&v=BvXCXctejGw},
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year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of Graphics Interface 2020},
pages = {183 – 191},
publisher = {Canadian Human-Computer Communications Society / Société canadienne du dialogue humain-machine},
address = {University of Toronto},
series = {GI 2020},
abstract = {People living with vision impairment can be vulnerable to attackers when entering passwords on their smartphones, as their technology is more 'observable'. While researchers have proposed tangible interactions such as bend input as an alternative authentication method, limited work have evaluated this method with people with vision impairment. This paper extends previous work by presenting our user study of bend passwords with 16 participants who live with varying levels of vision impairment or blindness. Each participant created their own passwords using both PIN codes and BendyPass, a combination of bend gestures performed on a flexible device. We explored whether BendyPass does indeed offer greater opportunity over PINs and evaluated the usability of both. Our findings show bend passwords have learnability and memorability potential as a tactile authentication method for people with vision impairment, and could be faster to enter than PINs. However, BendyPass still has limitations relating to security and usability.},
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People living with vision impairment can be vulnerable to attackers when entering passwords on their smartphones, as their technology is more 'observable'. While researchers have proposed tangible interactions such as bend input as an alternative authentication method, limited work have evaluated this method with people with vision impairment. This paper extends previous work by presenting our user study of bend passwords with 16 participants who live with varying levels of vision impairment or blindness. Each participant created their own passwords using both PIN codes and BendyPass, a combination of bend gestures performed on a flexible device. We explored whether BendyPass does indeed offer greater opportunity over PINs and evaluated the usability of both. Our findings show bend passwords have learnability and memorability potential as a tactile authentication method for people with vision impairment, and could be faster to enter than PINs. However, BendyPass still has limitations relating to security and usability.
2019
Sara Nabil, David Kirk
Interactive Interior Design and Personal Data Book Chapter
In: Schnädelbach, Holger; Kirk, David (Ed.): People, Personal Data and the Built Environment, pp. 103–122, Springer International Publishing, Cham, 2019, ISBN: 978-3-319-70875-1.
@inbook{Nabil2019,
title = {Interactive Interior Design and Personal Data},
author = {Sara Nabil and David Kirk},
editor = {Holger Schnädelbach and David Kirk},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70875-1_5
https://eprints.ncl.ac.uk/file_store/production/256954/234B5461-4A87-45B6-BF9A-CAF8957B3407.pdf},
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abstract = {Interactive Interior Design refers to the development of interactive elements within the built environment. These technologies offer new kinds of functionality and interaction capability embedded within decorative elements inside our buildings. In this chapter we introduce a variety of these technologies and explore some of their implications. In particular we focus on the challenges around the personal data that `Interactive Interiors' will inevitably generate and use. We also present four short case studies of interactive technologies, contrasting their technopositive accounts (that are often common to research literature) with design fictions of dystopian alternative interpretations to support our deeper reflection on the potential pitfalls of increased interactivity in our habitable spaces. We conclude with a set of reflections on those case studies, pointing to the necessary challenges we face as we develop the field of Human-Building Interaction.},
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Interactive Interior Design refers to the development of interactive elements within the built environment. These technologies offer new kinds of functionality and interaction capability embedded within decorative elements inside our buildings. In this chapter we introduce a variety of these technologies and explore some of their implications. In particular we focus on the challenges around the personal data that `Interactive Interiors' will inevitably generate and use. We also present four short case studies of interactive technologies, contrasting their technopositive accounts (that are often common to research literature) with design fictions of dystopian alternative interpretations to support our deeper reflection on the potential pitfalls of increased interactivity in our habitable spaces. We conclude with a set of reflections on those case studies, pointing to the necessary challenges we face as we develop the field of Human-Building Interaction.
Sara Nabil, Jan Kučera, Nikoletta Karastathi, David S. Kirk, Peter Wright
Seamless Seams: Crafting Techniques for Embedding Fabrics with Interactive Actuation Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2019 on Designing Interactive Systems Conference, pp. 987–999, Association for Computing Machinery, San Diego, CA, USA, 2019, ISBN: 9781450358507.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3322276.3322369,
title = {Seamless Seams: Crafting Techniques for Embedding Fabrics with Interactive Actuation},
author = {Sara Nabil and Jan Kučera and Nikoletta Karastathi and David S. Kirk and Peter Wright},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3322276.3322369
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/p987-nabil_compressed.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9hGrkTtuGM},
doi = {10.1145/3322276.3322369},
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year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
urldate = {2019-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2019 on Designing Interactive Systems Conference},
pages = {987–999},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {San Diego, CA, USA},
series = {DIS '19},
abstract = {Traditional crafting methods such as stitching, embroidering, dyeing and machine sewing can be enhanced to create novel techniques for embedding shape-changing and colour-changing actuation into soft fabrics. In this paper, we show how embedding Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) wire, copper wire and thermochromic thread into needles and bobbins, we were able to successfully machine sew interactive morphological capabilities into textiles. We describe the results of extensive design experiments, which detail how differing actuations can be achieved through a matrix of parameters that directly influence a fabric's deformational behaviours. To demonstrate the usefulness of our 10 techniques, we then introduce and discuss an interactive artefact we produced, using a subset of these techniques. We contribute such new techniques for creating soft-interfaces, imbued with actuation through tactile and self-morphing capabilities without motors or LEDs. We draw insights from this on the potential of the proposed techniques for crafting interactive artefacts.},
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Traditional crafting methods such as stitching, embroidering, dyeing and machine sewing can be enhanced to create novel techniques for embedding shape-changing and colour-changing actuation into soft fabrics. In this paper, we show how embedding Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) wire, copper wire and thermochromic thread into needles and bobbins, we were able to successfully machine sew interactive morphological capabilities into textiles. We describe the results of extensive design experiments, which detail how differing actuations can be achieved through a matrix of parameters that directly influence a fabric's deformational behaviours. To demonstrate the usefulness of our 10 techniques, we then introduce and discuss an interactive artefact we produced, using a subset of these techniques. We contribute such new techniques for creating soft-interfaces, imbued with actuation through tactile and self-morphing capabilities without motors or LEDs. We draw insights from this on the potential of the proposed techniques for crafting interactive artefacts.
Amit Yadav, Alexander Keith Eady, Sara Nabil, Audrey Girouard
JoyHolder: Tangible Back-of-Device Mobile Interactions Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2019 ACM International Conference on Interactive Surfaces and Spaces, pp. 343–346, Association for Computing Machinery, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, 2019, ISBN: 9781450368919.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3343055.3360748,
title = {JoyHolder: Tangible Back-of-Device Mobile Interactions},
author = {Amit Yadav and Alexander Keith Eady and Sara Nabil and Audrey Girouard},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3343055.3360748
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address = {Daejeon, Republic of Korea},
series = {ISS '19},
abstract = {One-handed mobile use, which is predominantly thumb-driven, presents interaction challenges like screen occlusion, reachability of far and inside corners, and an increased chance of dropping the device. We adopt a Research through Design approach around single-hand mobile interaction by exploring a variety of back-of-device tangibles (including a touchpad, scroller, magnetic button, push button, slider, stretchable spiral and a ring joystick). The latter 'joy'-stick was inspired from the recent popular but passive ring phone 'holders', which we combined into ?JoyHolder' - a joystick-based interactive phone holder for tangible back-of-device input interactions. We demonstrate our low-fidelity and medium-fidelity prototypes (using crafting and digital fabrication methods) and our interactive JoyHolder to encourage discussion on tangible back-of-device interactions. Preliminary insights from a pilot-study we ran reflects the hesitation for adopting some of these tangibles, the potential of others and the importance of physical feedback while using back-of-device input modalities.},
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One-handed mobile use, which is predominantly thumb-driven, presents interaction challenges like screen occlusion, reachability of far and inside corners, and an increased chance of dropping the device. We adopt a Research through Design approach around single-hand mobile interaction by exploring a variety of back-of-device tangibles (including a touchpad, scroller, magnetic button, push button, slider, stretchable spiral and a ring joystick). The latter 'joy'-stick was inspired from the recent popular but passive ring phone 'holders', which we combined into ?JoyHolder' - a joystick-based interactive phone holder for tangible back-of-device input interactions. We demonstrate our low-fidelity and medium-fidelity prototypes (using crafting and digital fabrication methods) and our interactive JoyHolder to encourage discussion on tangible back-of-device interactions. Preliminary insights from a pilot-study we ran reflects the hesitation for adopting some of these tangibles, the potential of others and the importance of physical feedback while using back-of-device input modalities.
2018
Sara Nabil, Reem Talhouk, Julie Trueman, David S. Kirk, Simon Bowen, Peter Wright
Decorating Public and Private Spaces: Identity and Pride in a Refugee Camp Proceedings Article
In: Extended Abstracts of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. 1–6, Association for Computing Machinery, Montreal QC, Canada, 2018, ISBN: 9781450356213.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3170427.3188550,
title = {Decorating Public and Private Spaces: Identity and Pride in a Refugee Camp},
author = {Sara Nabil and Reem Talhouk and Julie Trueman and David S. Kirk and Simon Bowen and Peter Wright},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3170427.3188550
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/LBW552.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3170427.3188550},
isbn = {9781450356213},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
urldate = {2018-01-01},
booktitle = {Extended Abstracts of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
pages = {1–6},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Montreal QC, Canada},
series = {CHI EA '18},
abstract = {Zaatari, the world's largest Syrian refugee camp, currently hosts around 80,000 Syrian refugees. Located in the desert, the camp has become the fifth biggest city in Jordan. Previous examinations of crisis-housing in refugee camps have assessed re-appropriation of shelters in order to improve functionality. In this paper, we show how interior adornment serves a purpose in refugee lives that goes beyond that of functionality. Our analysis of fieldwork conducted in Zaatari camp show how decorating provides an escape from the camp and compensates for loss of identity, home and leisure. Within contexts of austerity, decorating spaces is a valuable and vital aspect of living, coping and supporting people's sense of identity and pride. Through painting and decorating both public and private 'spaces', refugees transform them into 'places', creating a sense of home. We highlight how the capability of decorating, crafting and making is an enactment of freedom within contexts of political restrictions and resource limitations.},
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}
Zaatari, the world's largest Syrian refugee camp, currently hosts around 80,000 Syrian refugees. Located in the desert, the camp has become the fifth biggest city in Jordan. Previous examinations of crisis-housing in refugee camps have assessed re-appropriation of shelters in order to improve functionality. In this paper, we show how interior adornment serves a purpose in refugee lives that goes beyond that of functionality. Our analysis of fieldwork conducted in Zaatari camp show how decorating provides an escape from the camp and compensates for loss of identity, home and leisure. Within contexts of austerity, decorating spaces is a valuable and vital aspect of living, coping and supporting people's sense of identity and pride. Through painting and decorating both public and private 'spaces', refugees transform them into 'places', creating a sense of home. We highlight how the capability of decorating, crafting and making is an enactment of freedom within contexts of political restrictions and resource limitations.
Sara Nabil, Aluna Everitt, Miriam Sturdee, Jason Alexander, Simon Bowen, Peter Wright, David Kirk
ActuEating: Designing, Studying and Exploring Actuating Decorative Artefacts Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2018 Designing Interactive Systems Conference, pp. 327–339, Association for Computing Machinery, Hong Kong, China, 2018, ISBN: 9781450351980.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3196709.3196761,
title = {ActuEating: Designing, Studying and Exploring Actuating Decorative Artefacts},
author = {Sara Nabil and Aluna Everitt and Miriam Sturdee and Jason Alexander and Simon Bowen and Peter Wright and David Kirk},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3196709.3196761
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/p327-nabil.pdf
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year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
urldate = {2018-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2018 Designing Interactive Systems Conference},
pages = {327–339},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Hong Kong, China},
series = {DIS '18},
abstract = {Actuating, dynamic materials offer substantial potential to enhance interior designs but there are currently few examples of how they might be utilized or impact user experiences. As part of a design-led exploration, we have prototyped (Wizard-of-Oz) an actuating, dining table runner (ActuEater1), and then developed a fully-interactive fabric version that both changes shape and colour (ActuEater2). Four in-situ deployments of 'ActuEaters' in different dinner settings and subsequent 'design crits' showed insights into how people perceive, interpret and interact with such slow-technology in interesting (and often unexpected) ways. The results of our 'ActuEating' studies provide evidence for how an actuating artefact can be simultaneously a resource for social engagement and an interactive decorative. In response, we explore design opportunities for situating novel interactive materials in everyday settings, taking the leap into a new generation of interactive spaces, and critically considering new aesthetic possibilities.},
keywords = {},
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Actuating, dynamic materials offer substantial potential to enhance interior designs but there are currently few examples of how they might be utilized or impact user experiences. As part of a design-led exploration, we have prototyped (Wizard-of-Oz) an actuating, dining table runner (ActuEater1), and then developed a fully-interactive fabric version that both changes shape and colour (ActuEater2). Four in-situ deployments of 'ActuEaters' in different dinner settings and subsequent 'design crits' showed insights into how people perceive, interpret and interact with such slow-technology in interesting (and often unexpected) ways. The results of our 'ActuEating' studies provide evidence for how an actuating artefact can be simultaneously a resource for social engagement and an interactive decorative. In response, we explore design opportunities for situating novel interactive materials in everyday settings, taking the leap into a new generation of interactive spaces, and critically considering new aesthetic possibilities.
2017
Sara Nabil, Thomas Plötz, David S. Kirk
Interactive Architecture: Exploring and Unwrapping the Potentials of Organic User Interfaces Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, pp. 89–100, Association for Computing Machinery, Yokohama, Japan, 2017, ISBN: 9781450346764.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3024969.3024981,
title = {Interactive Architecture: Exploring and Unwrapping the Potentials of Organic User Interfaces},
author = {Sara Nabil and Thomas Plötz and David S. Kirk},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3024969.3024981
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/p89-nabil.pdf},
doi = {10.1145/3024969.3024981},
isbn = {9781450346764},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
urldate = {2017-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction},
pages = {89–100},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Yokohama, Japan},
series = {TEI '17},
abstract = {Organic User Interfaces (OUIs) are flexible, actuated interfaces characterized by being aesthetically pleasing, intuitively manipulated and ubiquitously embedded in our daily life. In this paper, we critically survey the state-of-the-art for OUIs in interactive architecture research at two levels: 1) Architecture and Landscape; and 2) Interior Design. We postulate that OUIs have specific qualities that offer great potential for building interactive interiors and entire architectures that have the potential to -finally- transform the vision of smart homes and ubiquitous computing environments (calm computing) into reality. We formulate a manifesto for OUI Architecture in both exterior and interior design, arguing that OUIs should be at the core of a new interdisciplinary field driving research and practice in architecture. Based on this research agenda we propose concerted efforts to be made to begin addressing the challenges and opportunities of OUIs. This agenda offers us the strongest means through which to deliver a future of interactive architecture.},
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Organic User Interfaces (OUIs) are flexible, actuated interfaces characterized by being aesthetically pleasing, intuitively manipulated and ubiquitously embedded in our daily life. In this paper, we critically survey the state-of-the-art for OUIs in interactive architecture research at two levels: 1) Architecture and Landscape; and 2) Interior Design. We postulate that OUIs have specific qualities that offer great potential for building interactive interiors and entire architectures that have the potential to -finally- transform the vision of smart homes and ubiquitous computing environments (calm computing) into reality. We formulate a manifesto for OUI Architecture in both exterior and interior design, arguing that OUIs should be at the core of a new interdisciplinary field driving research and practice in architecture. Based on this research agenda we propose concerted efforts to be made to begin addressing the challenges and opportunities of OUIs. This agenda offers us the strongest means through which to deliver a future of interactive architecture.
Sara Nabil, David S. Kirk, Thomas Plötz, Julie Trueman, David Chatting, Dmitry Dereshev, Patrick Olivier
Interioractive: Smart Materials in the Hands of Designers and Architects for Designing Interactive Interiors Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2017 Conference on Designing Interactive Systems, pp. 379–390, Association for Computing Machinery, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 2017, ISBN: 9781450349222.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3064663.3064745,
title = {Interioractive: Smart Materials in the Hands of Designers and Architects for Designing Interactive Interiors},
author = {Sara Nabil and David S. Kirk and Thomas Plötz and Julie Trueman and David Chatting and Dmitry Dereshev and Patrick Olivier},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3064663.3064745
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year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
urldate = {2017-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2017 Conference on Designing Interactive Systems},
pages = {379–390},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Edinburgh, United Kingdom},
series = {DIS '17},
abstract = {The application of Organic User Interface (OUI) technologies will revolutionize interior design, through the development of interactive and actuated surfaces, furnishings and decorative artefacts. However, to adequately explore these new design landscapes we must support multidisciplinary collaboration between Architects, Interior Designers and Technologists. Herein, we present the results of two workshops, with a total of 45 participants from the disciplines of Architecture and Interior Design, supported by a group of HCI researchers. Our objective was to study how design disciplines can productively engage with smart materials as a design resource using an evolving set of techniques to prototype new interactive interior spaces. Our paper reports on our experiences across the two workshops and contributes an understanding of techniques for supporting multidisciplinary collaboration when designing interactive interior spaces.},
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The application of Organic User Interface (OUI) technologies will revolutionize interior design, through the development of interactive and actuated surfaces, furnishings and decorative artefacts. However, to adequately explore these new design landscapes we must support multidisciplinary collaboration between Architects, Interior Designers and Technologists. Herein, we present the results of two workshops, with a total of 45 participants from the disciplines of Architecture and Interior Design, supported by a group of HCI researchers. Our objective was to study how design disciplines can productively engage with smart materials as a design resource using an evolving set of techniques to prototype new interactive interior spaces. Our paper reports on our experiences across the two workshops and contributes an understanding of techniques for supporting multidisciplinary collaboration when designing interactive interior spaces.
Holger Schnädelbach, Nils Jäger, Sara Nabil, Nick Dalton, David Kirk, Elizabeth Churchill
People, Personal Data and the Built Environment Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2017 ACM Conference Companion Publication on Designing Interactive Systems, pp. 360–363, Association for Computing Machinery, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 2017, ISBN: 9781450349918.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3064857.3064864,
title = {People, Personal Data and the Built Environment},
author = {Holger Schnädelbach and Nils Jäger and Sara Nabil and Nick Dalton and David Kirk and Elizabeth Churchill},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3064857.3064864
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/diswk0110-schnadelbach2.pdf},
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isbn = {9781450349918},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
urldate = {2017-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2017 ACM Conference Companion Publication on Designing Interactive Systems},
pages = {360–363},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Edinburgh, United Kingdom},
series = {DIS '17 Companion},
abstract = {Personal data is increasingly important in our lives. We use personal data to quantify our behaviour, through health apps or for 'personal branding' and we are also increasingly forced to part with our data to access services. With a proliferation of embedded sensors, the built environment is playing a key role in this developing use of data, even though this remains relatively hidden. Buildings are sites for the capture of personal data, such as ID card gateways or wifi hotspots. This data is used to adapt buildings to people's behaviour, and increasingly, organisations use this data to understand how buildings are occupied and how communities develop. This workshop will bring together a community of researchers and practitioners interested in personal informatics and the design of interactive buildings and environments to foster critical discussion on the future role of personal data in interactions with the built environment.},
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Personal data is increasingly important in our lives. We use personal data to quantify our behaviour, through health apps or for 'personal branding' and we are also increasingly forced to part with our data to access services. With a proliferation of embedded sensors, the built environment is playing a key role in this developing use of data, even though this remains relatively hidden. Buildings are sites for the capture of personal data, such as ID card gateways or wifi hotspots. This data is used to adapt buildings to people's behaviour, and increasingly, organisations use this data to understand how buildings are occupied and how communities develop. This workshop will bring together a community of researchers and practitioners interested in personal informatics and the design of interactive buildings and environments to foster critical discussion on the future role of personal data in interactions with the built environment.
Sara Nabil, David Kirk, Thomas Ploetz, Peter Wright
Designing Future Ubiquitous Homes with OUI Interiors: Possibilities and Challenges Journal Article
In: Interaction Design and Architecture(s) Journal (IxD&A), vol. 32, iss. 2, pp. 28–37, 2017.
@article{nabil2017designing,
title = {Designing Future Ubiquitous Homes with OUI Interiors: Possibilities and Challenges},
author = {Sara Nabil and David Kirk and Thomas Ploetz and Peter Wright},
url = {https://doi.org/10.55612/s-5002-032-002
https://labs.cs.queensu.ca/istudio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/32_2.pdf},
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publisher = {Scuola IaD},
abstract = {As our living environments, homes should be expected to house objects with which we are comfortable. This applies equally to the technology we introduce to our domestic environments: it should be blended or embedded within them, or at least intuitive and unobtrusive in the space. In this paper, we survey a number of the latest Organic User Interfaces (OUIs) and discuss how these novel designs can be adopted to help build future domestic smart environments. In this sense, interior spaces, surfaces (walls, floors, tables and ceilings), and interior objects such as furniture and decorative accessories can become computationally-driven interactive artefacts, potentially changing their physical appearances, i.e., shape, colour, pattern or texture. We believe that Human-Building Interaction (HBI) will soon evolve to develop and employ OUIs in domestic environments, dynamically supporting our personal preferences and enhancing our living experiences. We propose some of the potential benefits of ‘OUI Interiors’ such as employing familiar intuitive interactions, supporting psychological and physiological wellbeing of inhabitants and the opportunity of designing multifaceted aesthetic interiors. Moreover, we highlight some of the challenges to building interactive interior objects, furniture and accessories, such as supporting sustained user engagements over time and designing for daily use within domestic environments with all its social, ethical and behavioural implications.},
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tppubtype = {article}
}
As our living environments, homes should be expected to house objects with which we are comfortable. This applies equally to the technology we introduce to our domestic environments: it should be blended or embedded within them, or at least intuitive and unobtrusive in the space. In this paper, we survey a number of the latest Organic User Interfaces (OUIs) and discuss how these novel designs can be adopted to help build future domestic smart environments. In this sense, interior spaces, surfaces (walls, floors, tables and ceilings), and interior objects such as furniture and decorative accessories can become computationally-driven interactive artefacts, potentially changing their physical appearances, i.e., shape, colour, pattern or texture. We believe that Human-Building Interaction (HBI) will soon evolve to develop and employ OUIs in domestic environments, dynamically supporting our personal preferences and enhancing our living experiences. We propose some of the potential benefits of ‘OUI Interiors’ such as employing familiar intuitive interactions, supporting psychological and physiological wellbeing of inhabitants and the opportunity of designing multifaceted aesthetic interiors. Moreover, we highlight some of the challenges to building interactive interior objects, furniture and accessories, such as supporting sustained user engagements over time and designing for daily use within domestic environments with all its social, ethical and behavioural implications.
2015
Sara Nabil, Atef Ghalwash
Organic Interactive Displays: A Bridge from History Journal Article
In: Procedia Comput. Sci., vol. 52, no. C, pp. 1053–1058, 2015, ISSN: 1877-0509.
@article{10.1016/j.procs.2015.05.109,
title = {Organic Interactive Displays: A Bridge from History},
author = {Sara Nabil and Atef Ghalwash},
url = {https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1016/j.procs.2015.05.109},
doi = {10.1016/j.procs.2015.05.109},
issn = {1877-0509},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Procedia Comput. Sci.},
volume = {52},
number = {C},
pages = {1053–1058},
publisher = {Elsevier Science Publishers B. V.},
address = {NLD},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}