Human-Robot Interaction: User-Centered Design of Robots to Support Aging-in-Place (Wendy Rogers)

UPA-DC and HFES-Potomac Chapter joint November 2010

World Usability Day Event!

Full Information and Registration

at The American Institute of Architects, Washington DC

---- Sponsored by Media Barn Inc. ----

Schedule:

• 6:30-7:30 Registration, Meet and Greet, Dinner (yummy sandwiches, salads, and dessert)
• 7:30-8:30 Talk
• 8:30-9:00 Q&A

Location:

The American Institute of Architects
1735 New York Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20006-5292
Directions

Event Description:

There is much potential for robots to support older adults in their goal of independent aging. However, for human-robot interactions to be successful, the robots must be designed with user needs in mind. In the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory we are conducting research in the nascent field of older adult-robot interactions. In this presentation I will provide an overview of the needs, capabilities, preferences, and limitations of older adults. I will then discuss our current and planned research on the design of robots to support aging-in-place. Our focus is on understanding the interactions between user characteristics, robot characteristics, and the context of the interactions (e.g., task demands).

Speaker Bio:

Wendy A. Rogers is Professor of Psychology at Georgia Institute of Technology. She is also a Certified Human Factors Professional. Her research interests include cognitive aging, automation, skill acquisition, human-robot interaction, and technology acceptance. She is Co- Director of the Human Factors and Aging Laborator, funded by NIH (National Institute on Aging) through the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE). She is involved in the Aware Home Research Initiative and is Editor of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied.

Our Sponsor:

Mediabarn's UX Lab opened up in 2007 in the heart of our own creative studio and creative placement agency.   To our clients we offer Usability Testing of mobile applications, websites, and software products, Eye Tracking Research, Focus Groups, Expert Reviews and Web Accessibility Evaluations.  To usability professionals we offer a discounted rate on our facility rental.  Renting a facility allows your clients (you can bring about 12 of them per session) to be comfortable while watching you in action.  Catered client offsites to watch usability testing allows the whole client team to share in the user experience testing, more people that watch the sessions means more people you can reach.