Month: June 2024

A Leadership Journey: Growing and Developing as a Research Leader

Being a research leader presents continuous challenges and opportunities for personal development. As the leader of the HTO group, consisting of around 15 researchers, and as an Advisor to the Vice Chancellor on Equal opportunities, I find myself in a position to influence both research and the work environment at Uppsala University.

Challenges and the Pursuit of Improvement

Every week, I face new challenges as a leader. Navigating complex research projects, managing diverse personalities, and maintaining an inclusive and productive work environment requires constant attention and adaptation. There is always more to learn!

Clear Leadership: My Next Phase of Development

In 2025, I will participate in the Clear Leadership course, organized by Uppsala University. This four-day program is designed for leaders who, like me, aim to achieve results together with others and create sustainable collaborative relationships. The course offers opportunities for leading in a learning-oriented manner, and I am glad to develop my ability to communicate clearly, understand people better, and create a work environment where knowledge and potential can flourish.

Clear Leadership was developed by Dr. Gervase Bushe in Vancouver, Canada. The concept was introduced to Sweden in 2004 and has quickly become one of the most appreciated and significant leadership programs offered. The program is only conducted by licensed instructors.

The program promises to equip me with tools to:

  • Lead using my personal qualities.
  • Increase my self-awareness and understand my reactions.
  • Enhance my communication skills.
  • Create clarity in collaborations.
  • Implement a model for increased learning within the organization.

Participating in Clear Leadership is not only a step in personal development but also a way to strengthen the HTO group and our collective pursuit of excellence. I hope to use the knowledge and insights gained to build even stronger relationships within my team and create a more inspiring and productive work environment.

NordiCHI Workshop – Call for Participation

Design Methods in Connected Health

We are excited to invite you to our interactive workshop, which will explore and advance design methods for Connected Health applications.

Full day on 13 October 2024, On-site at Ekonomikum, Uppsala University

The Design Methods in Connected Health workshop aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, and designers in eHealth to explore innovative design approaches and philosophies that can enhance the user experience, accessibility, and overall effectiveness of electronic health technologies. Connected health is a multifaceted concept encompassing technology to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Design methods are processes and tools for creating effective user experiences in technology development. 

This workshop will explore diverse design approaches from various fields, including Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Systems (IS), Health Informatics, and Healthcare. 

It aims to foster the exchange of ideas and methodologies across these domains. The aims and objectives include 

  • to explore the diverse design methods in the context of eHealth applications, 
  • to discuss the impact of design on user engagement, and overall health outcomes, 
  • to share best practices and case studies of eHealth design implementations, 
  • to foster collaboration between researchers and practitioners for future advancements in eHealth design, and 
  • to collaborate on drafting a joint paper for a scientific journal, drawing upon the collective insights gained. 

The workshop will explore design methods, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to determine the most suitable approach for different situations. Through a mix of presentations, group discussions, and collaborative activities like a gallery walk (an activity where participants rotate through stations to evaluate and discuss ideas), participants will engage in a dynamic learning experience. The workshop culminates in a collaborative effort to draft a joint paper for a scientific journal, drawing upon the collective insights gained.

The workshop will be in person and will feature an introduction to various design practices used in the eHealth field using a fishbowl discussion method. This will be followed by discussions on these philosophies using an interactive method called Gallery Walk, which is an activity where participants rotate through stations to evaluate and discuss ideas. This is followed by a wrap-up session. 

Who Should Attend?

  •    Researchers in design and Connected Health.
  •    UX designers specializing in Connected Health projects.
  •    Healthcare professionals interested in developing Connected Health solutions.

What to Expect:

  • Interactive Sessions: Participate in engaging discussions and a “gallery walk” to critically assess and compare different design methods.
  • Collaborative Paper: Collaborate with other attendees to co-author a paper intended for publication in a scientific journal, leveraging the collective expertise and insights acquired during the workshop.
  • Sharpen Your Skills: Improve your understanding of Connected Health design methods and acquire actionable knowledge to create user-centric Connected Health solutions.

Submission

The submission should be a maximum of 3 pages long.

  • Format: Please use the old SIGCHI extended abstract format.
  • Title and Author Information: Clear and descriptive title of the submission. Name(s), affiliation(s), and email address(es).
  • Abstract: 100-150 words. A brief overview of the design method, its context, and the key takeaways.
  • Introduction: Provide background information and relevance of the design method to Connected Health. Outline the specific areas or challenges or issues the method addresses in Connected Health.
  • Design Method Description: Describe the design method in detail. Outline the steps, tools, and techniques involved. Mention any theoretical or conceptual frameworks underpinning the method.
  • Application and Context: Describe a specific use case or example where the design method was applied. Provide context about how the method was implemented, including settings, participants, and any technological tools used. Discuss any challenges encountered during the application of the method.
  • Outcomes and Lessons Learned: Summarize the outcomes or results achieved through the application of the design method. Share key insights or lessons learned from the experience. Discuss how the design method impacted user engagement, accessibility, or health outcomes.
  • Discussion: Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the design method. If applicable, compare with other design methods used in similar contexts. Suggest potential improvements or future applications of the method in Connected Health.
  • Conclusion: Recap the key points of the submission. Propose next steps for research or practice in Connected Health design.
  • Appendices (Optional): Any supplementary material, such as diagrams, detailed tables, or screenshots of the design method in action.

Important Dates:

  • Deadline for Abstract Submission – 03 August 2024
  • Notification of Acceptance – 15 August 2024
  • Workshop Date – 13 October 2024

Email your submissions to: Shweta Premanandan (shweta.premanandan@im.uu.se), Awais Ahmad (awais.ahmad@it.uu.se)

Workshop Organizers:

  • Åsa Cajander, Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University (asa.cajander@it.uu.se)
  • Sofia Ouhbi, Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University (sofia.ouhbi@it.uu.se)
  • Shweta Premanandan, Department of Informatics and Media, Uppsala University (shweta.premanandan@im.uu.se)
  • Awais Ahmad, Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University (awais.ahmad@it.uu.se)

HTO Group’s Role in Organizing NordiCHI 2024 Conference in Uppsala

The HTO (Human-Technology-Organization) research group is thrilled to announce our involvement in organizing the NordiCHI 2024 conference, set to take place in Uppsala. This prestigious event, renowned for advancing research and innovation in human-computer interaction, will bring together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world.

About NordiCHI 2024

NordiCHI, the Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, is a biennial event that serves as a platform for sharing the latest research findings, technological advancements, and best practices in the field of human-computer interaction. The 2024 edition promises to continue this tradition, offering a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations.

HTO Group’s Contribution

Our research group is deeply committed to contributing to the success of NordiCHI 2024. We are actively involved in various organizational aspects, including: We are actively involved in various organizational roles, ensuring a memorable conference experience:

  1. Conference Chairs: Åsa Cajander, HTO and Uppsala University, is leading the overall organization of the conference.
  2. Local Chairs: Magdalena Stadin, HTO and Uppsala University, is managing local arrangements, from venue coordination to participant logistics.
  3. Critique Track Chairs: Maria Normark and Jessica Lindblom, HTO and Uppsala University, are leading the critique track, providing a platform for critical discussions and feedback on research work.
  4. Sponsor Chair: Rebecca Cort, HTO and Uppsala University, is responsible for securing sponsorships and fostering partnerships that enhance the conference experience.

Why Attend NordiCHI 2024?

  1. Innovative Research: Discover the latest advancements and research findings in human-computer interaction.
  2. Networking Opportunities: Connect with leading academics, industry professionals, and fellow researchers.
  3. Inspiring Sessions: Participate in sessions that challenge current thinking and inspire new ideas.
  4. Uppsala’s Charm: Experience the historical and cultural richness of Uppsala, a vibrant city known for its academic excellence and scenic beauty.

Join Us

We invite you to join us at NordiCHI 2024 in Uppsala. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, a beginner and practitioner, or simply passionate about human-computer interaction, this conference offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with peers, and contribute to the future of HCI.

For more details about the conference, visit the NordiCHI 2024 website.

We look forward to seeing you in Uppsala!

Exploring AI, Robotics, and Work Environments: Seminars and Lectures by HTO

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming the workplace, influencing work environments, job roles, and overall productivity. As these technologies evolve, there’s a growing demand for knowledge and insights in these areas.

The HTO (Human-Technology-Organization) research group is frequently asked to provide seminars and lectures on these subjects. To address this demand, we’ve compiled a list of potential speakers and presentations, which you can find here. The presentations are in Swedish, but we can do seminars in English and Swedish.

The list of potential speakers includes Åsa Cajander, professor specializing in AI and work environments; Magdalena Ramstedt Stadin, postdoctoral researcher focused on digital work environments and technostress; Bengt Sandblad, professor emeritus with decades of experience in digitalization and automation of work; Anders Arweström Jansson, professor researching human decision-making with AI; Niklas Humble, postdoctoral researcher in AI and game-based learning; Maria Normark, associate professor studying the critical perspectives of technology use; and Jessica Lindblom, associate professor focusing on the impact of AI, automation, and robotics on digital work environments. For more details, visit our Google document.