Month: April 2026

A human-centred approach to designing for caregiver well-being: insights from our recent study in JMIR Human Factors

25 April 2026 / awais

Informal caregivers (ICs) play a vital role in supporting individuals with head and neck cancer. However, they are often expected to manage complex medical, emotional, and practical responsibilities with limited preparation. This gap between expectations and available support highlights a clear need for interventions that go beyond providing information and instead actively strengthen caregivers’ well-being and sense of preparedness.

In our recent study, co-authored by Awais Ahmad, Åsa Cajander, Ulrica Langegård, Birgitta Johansson, Anna Henriksson, Mona Pettersson, Waqas Ahmad, and Ylva Tiblom Ehrsson, and published in JMIR Human Factors, we address this challenge through the development of Carer eSupport. This web-based application was designed using a human-centred design (HCD) approach.

The aim of the study was to present how a web-based application can be designed to support ICs’ well-being and preparedness for caregiving through the HCD process. We detail the design and functionalities of the Carer eSupport application and explain how it responds to both the functional and psychological needs of ICs. By integrating HCD with a eudaimonic perspective, our research also intends to provide insights into design approaches that prioritise user well-being in web-based application development.

Additionally, we reported findings from our pilot study and highlighted the initial challenges ICs faced when engaging with the application and the strategies used to overcome these issues.

Moving Beyond Functionality: Designing for Real Needs

We applied the HCD process not only to improve usability, but also to address both the functional and psychological needs of ICs. The design process actively involved ICs, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and researchers across three iterative cycles.

This approach ensured that the application reflects the realities of caregiving. For example, Carer eSupport integrates:

Educational resources to improve preparedness for caregiving tasks
Practical guidance on symptom management and daily care challenges
Self-care support addressing fatigue, stress, and emotional strain
Psychosocial features such as discussion forums and interaction with HCPs

Integrating Well-Being into Design

One of the study’s main contributions is the integration of a eudaimonic perspective into the design of well-being. Rather than focusing solely on short-term satisfaction, the intervention addresses deeper psychological needs, including autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This approach is grounded in eudaimonic well-being, which emphasises living in a way that is meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with one’s values.

Eudaimonic motivation differs from hedonic motivation in that it does not primarily focus on pleasure or comfort. Instead, it emphasises personal growth, meaning, and the realisation of one’s potential. In the context of caregiving, this distinction is particularly relevant. ICs are not only seeking ease of use but are also navigating emotionally demanding situations where purpose, mastery, and connection are central to their experience.

This is where Self-Determination Theory provides a useful theoretical foundation. It proposes that sustained and meaningful motivation is supported by three basic psychological needs:

Autonomy: feeling in control of one’s actions and decisions
Competence: feeling capable and effective in managing tasks
Relatedness: feeling connected to others and supported

The Carer eSupport application operationalises these principles in its design. Autonomy is supported by allowing ICs to navigate content according to their own needs and pace. Competence is strengthened through tailored educational materials and practical guidance. Relatedness is fostered through communication features that connect ICs with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and, where relevant, peers in similar situations.

Importantly, these design choices go beyond improving usability. They support a deeper form of engagement in which ICs are enabled to develop confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of meaning in their caregiving role. This reflects the core idea of eudaimonic motivation: engagement driven by intrinsic value and personal significance rather than short-term satisfaction.

Evidence from the Pilot Study

The paper further strengthens its contribution by reporting findings from a pilot study, demonstrating the feasibility of the intervention. The results show encouraging engagement, including a strong consent rate and successful user onboarding, confirming readiness for a larger trial.

At the same time, the study does not overlook challenges. ICs faced several barriers when engaging with the application:

Demanding Nature of Caregiving

Due to their caregiving responsibilities, many ICs struggled to find time and energy to engage with the application. During the early phase of diagnosis and treatment, caregiving demands often took priority. In this context, follow-up reminders supported re-engagement once their situations stabilised. One participant noted that although they initially could not log in, a later reminder enabled access when their circumstances improved.

Communication Problems

Some ICs did not receive the initial email with login details or found it in their spam folder, delaying access. To address this, we implemented a multichannel communication strategy using email, SMS, and follow-up phone calls. This improved access speed and strengthened user support.

Login and Authentication Problems

As Carer eSupport is built on Microsoft SharePoint, some users experienced authentication conflicts, particularly when multiple Microsoft accounts were involved. The two-factor authentication process was also perceived as complex. We responded by improving written instructions and developing a step-by-step video tutorial, which reduced login errors and improved independent access.

Access to IT Infrastructure

Some ICs lacked access to suitable devices and relied on smartphones or shared computers, which sometimes limited functionality. As hardware provision was not feasible, we provided extended telephone support. While this enabled eventual access, results suggest that access would be smoother with more consistent use of computers or tablets.

Limited IT Knowledge

Limited digital literacy, particularly among older ICs, also affected onboarding. To address this, we provided structured telephone guidance and clear instructional materials to support the login process and initial use of the system.

Why This Matters

This work provides a compelling example of how HCD can be applied in a structured and meaningful way to design for well-being. It shows that:

Supporting ICs requires more than information; it requires addressing emotional and psychological needs
Iterative, participatory design leads to more relevant and usable interventions
Real-world challenges must be integrated into the design process, not treated as external issues

Most importantly, the study demonstrates that the aim is not only theoretical but achieved in practice: Carer eSupport represents a functioning, user-informed system that supports both preparedness and well-being.

Looking Ahead

While the pilot study confirms feasibility, the ongoing randomised controlled trial will provide further evidence of effectiveness. Nevertheless, this work already offers valuable insights for researchers and designers working at the intersection of HCI, healthcare, and well-being.

It supports a broader shift in digital health design: from systems that primarily deliver information to systems that actively support people in complex and emotionally demanding roles.

Learn more: The full details of our study, including all data and design insights, are published open-access in JMIR Human Factors. Read the paper here: humanfactors.jmir.org/2026/1/e81896.

Välkommen Viktoria Rubin

9 April 2026 / Åsa Cajander

Vi är glada att välkomna Viktoria Rubin som postdoktor i HTO och i projektet AI-PROCARE. AI-PROCARE är ett nordiskt forskningsprojekt som HTO leder där vi undersöker hur upphandling av AI-system och arbetsmiljön för vårdpersonal och hur dessa processer kan utformas mer hållbart.

Viktoria bidrar med ett tydligt fokus på arbetslivets utveckling och hur organisatoriska villkor formas i relation till ny teknik, särskilt AI i vård och omsorg. Nedan presenterar Viktoria sig själv:

Kan du berätta lite om dig själv. Vem är du och vad har du gjort innan du kom till AI-PROCARE?

Mitt forskningsintressen rör arbetslivets utveckling och dess påverkan på människors arbetsvillkor. Jag disputerade i höstas med en avhandling om det arbetslivets flexibilisering, där jag studerade vad som sker i organisationer när interimschefer (tillfälligt inhyrda chefer) anlitas för att på kort tid genomföra organisationsförändringar. Innan forskarutbildningen arbetade jag som HR-specialist och ledarutvecklare.

Vad var det som gjorde att du fastnade för just AI och vård?

AI är ju den enskilda aspekt som har störst påverkan på arbetslivet just nu, så det har känts som ett naturligt nästa steg i min forskning. Vården är en angelägen sektor med ett samhällsbärande uppdrag med knappa resurser, där AI-lösningar potentiellt kan bidra med mycket. Jag har också arbetat som chef och HR-specialist inom äldreomsorg och sjukvård, så det känns kul att komma tillbaka dit.

Vad tycker du är mest spännande med att jobba i AI-PROCARE?

Dels aktualiteten i projektet och dels att det är ett så pass stort, tvärvetenskapligt projekt med forskare från fyra nordiska länder. Jag tror vi kommer lära oss mycket av varandra!

Om du skulle förklara projektet för någon utanför forskningen. Varför är det viktigt?

Jag tror många har fått upp ögonen för hur införandet av digitala verktyg kan ha stor påverkan på användarna och deras arbetsmiljö. Det här projektet sätter fokus på hur förutsättningarna för arbetsmiljön skapas redan i upphandlingen, då offentlig upphandling är en omfattande process där krav och prioriteringar förhandlas och slås fast i ett tidigt skede. Tanken är att projektet ska bidra med en större medvetenhet om det och även presentera praktiska riktlinjer.

När du inte jobbar, vad tycker du om att göra på din fritid?

Jag orienterar, är ute mycket med familjens hund och går gärna ut och äter vietnamesiskt. På sommaren gillar jag att fjällvandra, gärna på egen hand och till ensliga platser.

Vi ser fram emot att följa Viktorias arbete i AI-PROCARE och de perspektiv hon bidrar med kring arbetsmiljö, organisering och AI i vården.

Teknik som stöttar eller stressar? HTO‑perspektiv på digital arbetsmiljö i Norrköping

2 April 2026 / guest

I mitten av mars höll Jessica Lindblom en keynote-presentation på tvådagarskonferensen Digital teknik i arbetsvardagen – teknikstrul, stress och möjligheter på Arbetets museum i Norrköping. Hon lyfte hur AI, robotar och digitala system påverkar den kognitiva arbetsmiljön och hur gapet mellan ”arbetet som det är tänkt” och ”arbetet som det faktiskt utförs” kan skapa stress, avbrott och ökad mental belastning.

Jessica presenterade aktuella resultat från två olika forskningsprojekt:

AIHURO (Vinnova) – om interaktionen mellan människor och mobila kollaborativa robotar i tillverkningsindustrin. Resultaten visar tydliga skillnader mellan montörer och truckförare i upplevelsen av införandet av robotarna i fabriken, särskilt gällande säkerhet, förutsägbarhet och kognitiv belastning.
AROA (AFA Försäkring) – där hon och kollegorna utvecklar ett ramverk för digitalt arbetsengagemang och hur avancerade system som AI och robotik kan stödja vitalitet, hängivenhet och försjunkenhet i arbetet inom branscherna IT, tåg och lantbruk.

Konferensen sammanföll med öppningen av utställningen “Jävla k*kdator!”, som sätter fokus på teknikstrul i arbetslivet. Läs mer om utställningen här: https://www.arbetetsmuseum.se/utstallning/javla-kukdator/

Det blev två trevliga och inspirerande dagar i Norrköping, med många intressanta presentationer – bland annat om algoritmiskt management, framtidens arbetsorganisation och hur olika former av digital teknik och AI (om)formar beslut, kompetenser och arbetsroller i arbetslivet.

New Paper on Why HRI Needs a Post-growth Perspective

1 April 2026 / Sofia Thunberg

Beyond ‘Green Growth’: Why HRI Needs a Post-Growth Perspective

The field of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) is at a crossroad. As we design more sophisticated robots for healthcare, education, and the home, we are forced to reckon with that our technological progress is deeply intertwined with an economic model that demands perpetual growth—often at a steep cost to our planet.

In our new paper, ‘Post-growth Perspectives in HRI’, recently presented at HRI ’26 in Edinburgh, my co-authors (Mafalda Gamboa, Ilaria Torre, and Birgit Penzenstadler) and I argue that it’s time to look beyond the ‘green growth’ narrative.

The Problem with ‘Business as Usual’

Climate research has pointed out that economic growth is the root cause of environmental devastation, and the most prevalent ‘rescue narrative’ is that productivity growth will recover through new technological breakthroughs. But, this narrative rarely account for the limits to the planetary resources.

Almost all improvements in user interactions increase energy and resource consumption. The carbon emissions from training Large-Language Models is one example, and emissions from sensors and components are also mainly caused by energy consumption. All parts, both software and hardware, of the robots the HRI community are building and buying are, therefore, (somewhat) harmful to our planet.

In parallel, we are seeing a growing graveyard of social robots, where many of the robot platforms that the field has relied on are going bankrupt due to not being able to expand and grow beyond academic buyers. We argue that HRI cannot solely rely on the unstable market of social robots and the market mechanisms that the field is deeply tied to, such as software-as-a-service and robot-as-a-service, which by many large companies is often driven by robotwashing. To tackle this, we point to self-built and low-scale robots, even though they are not exempt from the material dependencies of the broader growth paradigm.

Introducing Post-growth for HRI

Our paper introduces a post-growth perspective to HRI, by inviting the community to shift the focus from quantitative growth to qualitative development. We reuse the metaphor of the snail (broadly used by the degrowth and slow movements) and add a new ring on the snail’s shell—a layer of automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics, built upon already complex structures. While intended to enhance efficiency and productivity, this continual layering risks creating fragility, dependence, and ecological or social imbalance. The metaphor thus warns of the limits of accumulation and invites reflection on how to achieve balance for HRI.

To help researchers and practitioners navigate this shift, we propose three actionable steps:

Ask ‘Question Zero’: Inspired by the question zero for the use of AI: ‘why AI?’, we, in our version, ask ‘why robots?’. Asking this forces criticality and more detailed motivation for why a robot is needed and for whom. Question zero can also inform research that examines real-world applications in need of critique. Beyond refusal, the question seeks to find cases in need of assessment and possible exnovation.
The Post-growth Manifesto: We suggest a manifesto (see below), that comes with a glossary. Here, we list a number of conventional understandings of robots in HRI based on our reading of the field, in opposition to a list of important notions within post-growth for HRI. It can be a tool to locate, discuss, and negotiate ongoing research, and in doing so, we encourage leaning into the B side to support a post-growth orientation.
Sustainability Statements: Just as ethical and positionality statements have become standard, we propose a template for sustainability statements. These encourage researchers to reflect on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their work.

Why This Matters

As HRI researchers, we have the power to define what the ‘future’ looks like. By embracing post-growth, we aren’t ‘anti-technology’. Instead, we are advocating for a future where robotics serves humanity and the biosphere without being tied to the destructive cycle of endless extraction.

We hope this paper serves as a call to reflexivity and criticality. It’s time to consider not just how we build and deploy robots, but for whom and at what cost.

Read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.1145/3757279.3788811

Citation: Sofia Thunberg, Mafalda Gamboa, Ilaria Torre, and Birgit Penzenstadler. 2026. Post-growth Perspectives in HRI. In Proceedings of the 21st ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI ’26). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 1388–1398.