Everyday Perceptual and Physiological Augmentation
Human senses are fundamental to how we interpret and interact with the world. Computing devices such as smart glasses, earbuds, and wristbands are increasingly coupled with human senses, enabling dynamic mediation, modification, and augmentation of perception and physiological processes through multisensory stimulation. Beyond assistive technologies for sensory impairments, these interfaces are starting to be used in everyday contexts for applications ranging from immersive entertainment to well-being interventions. While the UIST community has introduced many proof-of-concept prototypes in this space, gaps remain in understanding how to design, study, and contextualize these technologies for long-term, real-world use. This workshop will explore barriers to moving from prototypes to deployed systems, featuring interactive demos, discussions, and keynote talks.
News
- [Sep. 18] Prof. Thad Starner from Georgia Tech will be our keynote speaker!
- [Sep.1] Workshop is full! Excited to see everyone!
- [Aug.11, 2025] UIST 2025 Early Bird Registration Deadline is Aug 29! Register today!
- [Aug.1, 2025] Workshop Accepted! Read our full proposal.
Scope of the Workshop
Perceptual and Physiological Augmentation Techniques
Through interactive demonstrations and discussions, we will examine and categorize existing techniques for augmenting human senses. Drawing on theories from adjacent fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, we will explore how interdisciplinary insights can inform new techniques.
Everyday Use and Failure
We will examine the practical and ethical challenges of designing perceptual and physiological augmentation in everyday settings. Participants will reflect on what makes a device “usable,” where it fails, and how people interpret (or misinterpret) the enhanced sensory experiences.
Evaluation of Perceptual and Physiological Augmentation
To fully realize the potential for everyday use, evaluation of perceptual and physiological augmentation systems should go beyond controlled in-lab validation. We will discuss additional measures and protocols future work should consider when evaluating for everyday, long-term uses.
Keynote
Prof. Thad Starner from Georgia Institute of Technology will be joining us virtually to give a keynote talk! He will take us through the history of augmenting human senses as well as his latest work on Symbiotic AI.
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00–9:30 | Welcome & Speed Introduction |
| 9:30–10:30 | Virtual Keynote Talk (Thad Starner) |
| 10:30–11:00 | Coffee Break |
| 11:00–12:00 | Demo Session |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch Break |
| 13:30–15:00 | Device Swap & Discussion |
| 15:00–15:30 | Coffee break |
| 15:30–16:30 | Open Discussion |
| 16:30–17:00 | Networking & Wrap-up |
