Dr Christine Farion can act as a Primary or Co-Supervisor.
Research Keywords: Physical computing, interaction, wearables, forgetfulness
“Human-centric computing with real-world application... prototyping as I go!”
Using an experience-centred approach, I created object-based memory aids that emerged as a result of investigating the design processes for smart objects.
Perceived Forgetfulness
I’m concerned with perceived forgetfulness. Some people are not medically diagnosed as forgetful, but they believe themselves to be forgetful. Because of this belief, forgetfulness affects their day to day lives in a negative way. I’m asking questions about these negative emotions / negative implications in their lives.
Physical Computing
I love to build physical systems. I use a variety of hardware and software to make portable systems which may sense or respond to our relationship with a physical world.
Research
I was awarded a 4 year scholarship from EPSRC to complete a PhD in Media & Arts Technology, Queen Mary University of London. My research has focused on forgetfulness, embedded systems and HCI.
Using an experience-centered approach, 'Message Bag' and 'Tag Along' are two purpose-built object-based memory aids that have emerged as a result of investigating the design processes for smart objects. The work examines smart objects in the context of forgetting what items to pack in a bag. A solution presented is a device consisting of an RFID system involving (a) pre-tagging essential items; (b) scanning those tagged items and; (c) viewing a corresponding light illuminate, to communicate to the user. Although the conceptual model is simple, success depends on a combination of technical design, usability, and aesthetics. These scanning interactions result in a person feeling more confident as suggested through autoethnography reporting, real-world, third-person engagements - single user walkouts, conference demos, professional critiques, and residential weekends with potential users (focus group) studies conducted.
My work involved extensive autobiographical research and design-led inquiries. Testing was undertaken with investigative prototypes, followed by field testing high-fidelity prototypes. This involved an in-the-wild comparative study involving six users over several months. Results show that people feel more confident and respondents claim no longer needing to continually check items are packed, thus 'gaining time', and feeling less forgetful. Expertise additionally includes electronics and circuits, and physical computing.
Slow Technology - emergent work. This is a shift from a constant or 'active' use of technology. Instead, Slow Tech means reflecting on how that technology is used and if a ‘slower’ alternative may actually bring us more benefit. Rather than achieving efficiency and constantly relying on our devices, Slow Tech encourages us to protect any natural tendencies towards creativity and the ability to reflect and contemplate freely.
Other interests involve investigating assistive technologies, predominantly for people with a visual or hearing impairment.
I have presented at national and international conferences. I was awarded a 4-year scholarship from EPSRC to study for a PhD in Media & Arts Technology, Queen Mary University of London. British Arts Council, and Arts Council England funding. Received joint funding from The Arts Council England and The British Council. Also successful in securing an EPSRC Off-campus Business Engagement Fund – The Wearable Technology Show (2015), and a travel grant to attend the CHI conference in Toronto (2014) to present my work for the interactivity track.
http://christinefarion.com
https://mobile.twitter.com/cmoz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-f-14ba5388/
https://radar.gsa.ac.uk/profile/1393
https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristineFarion
