Human-Computer Interaction

This research project investigates the social and environmental impacts of navigation systems. The project, funded by SNF investigates the broader societal consequences of reliance on navigation technologies. 

On a societal level, the project explores how navigation systems affect urban and transport planning. Notably, it addresses the issue of traffic being rerouted through residential areas to avoid congestion, optimizing individual journey times at the expense of the overall traffic system. 

On an individual level, the project looks at the potential loss of human orientation skills due to over-reliance on GPS technology. Throughout this project, we are working on developing navigation algorithms that prioritize personal preferences over merely optimizing journey times, mindful of the potential unintended societal consequences, such as increased economic disparity and impacts on urban planning. 

Ultimately, the goal of the project is to create novel navigation algorithms that take into account the negative externalities of their decision-making processes, aiming for solutions that benefit a larger society rather than individual users. 

Contact: Dr. Gian-Luca Savino (gian-luca.savino@unisg.ch)

Challenge Space

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ''almost everyone will temporarily or permanently experience disability at some point in their life''¹, with around 1.8 million people with special needs living in Switzerland. In 2021, the ''Swiss Federation of Deaf People'' and the ''Swiss Federation of Blind and Partially Sighted People'' re-emphasised that people with special needs must ''receive the appropriate human and technical resources to participate fully and auton-omously in society''², highlighting the need for technical resources that facilitate and empower people.

Proposed Research

In a 3-year long research effort at the University of St. Gallen, funded by the HSG - Uni SG - International Postdoctoral Fellowships, we investigate the use of assistive mixed reality technology to improve how people live, work, navigate, and interact in reality and with fellow humans, moving to a new era of human-computer interfaces. We will explore the design space of assistive mixed reality technology to speed up development, help economic growth and bring people closer together.

This project will contribute towards an inclusive future reality where people with and without disabilities receive appropriate technical resources and are empowered to participate fully and autonomously in society.

Contact: Dr. Florian Mathis (florian.mathis@unisg.ch)