Key research themes
1. How can multimodal and embodied interactivity paradigms enhance user experience in digital media?
This research area investigates how multimodal interaction — involving simultaneous or integrated use of multiple sensory and motor modalities such as visual, vocal, haptic, and bodily engagement — contributes to richer, more natural user experiences and more effective human-computer interaction designs in multimedia contexts. It matters because traditional, cognitively driven input-output models are limited in capturing nuanced, embodied human interaction, motivating new paradigms that emphasize integrated sensory-motor experience, embodied meaning creation, and the inseparability of modalities. These perspectives influence how we design and evaluate multimodal interfaces across diverse platforms and devices.
2. What role does interactivity play in shaping user experience (UX) and how can it be quantitatively and qualitatively measured?
This research thread focuses on defining, operationalizing, and measuring interactivity as it contributes to user experiences with multimedia systems — particularly in digital contexts such as websites and multimedia narratives. Since interactivity is a multifaceted, often ambiguous concept, researchers propose taxonomies and frameworks that attempt to dissect interactivity into measurable dimensions (e.g., reciprocity, responsiveness, frequency), investigating its impact on affect, usability, engagement, and hedonic quality. Understanding this relationship is critical for designing interfaces and media that optimize both usability and user satisfaction.
3. How does the integration of multimedia and interactivity influence learning, cultural engagement, and the design of digital content?
This theme explores how multimedia technologies combined with interactive elements contribute to educational effectiveness, enhanced cultural experiences, and enriched digital presentations. Research examines cognitive and human factors informing multimedia design, how interactivity supports learner control and cognitive processing, and how multimedia guides or installations in museums and exhibitions foster engagement. It also considers social dimensions such as media shareability and usability for communication and cultural dissemination, highlighting actionable design principles across educational and cultural domains.