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The usage of multimodal user interfaces has revolutionized many different activities. However, most of the interactive technologies deployed in real world engineering contexts are still difficult to use, especially when engineering teams need to collaboratively visualize and review large-scale 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) models. This is the case of the oil platform industry, which necessarily involves the review and manipulation of large CAD models. In this paper we present a novel solution, based on multitouch and accelerometer input, which was designed and evaluated in close cooperation with researchers and engineers of a large oil industry company. We evaluated two different conditions: using multitouch-only input and using multitouch coupled with accelerometer-based input. Statistical analysis of quantitative data suggests that the second condition is faster and less error-prone than simply using multitouch-only input. Additionally, qualitative data showed that users perceive the multitouch-only interface as being more accurate, but more difficult to understand and use.

Abstract. Human work interaction design is an emerging discipline that aims to encourage empirical studies and conceptualizations of the interaction among humans, their variegated social contexts and the technology they use both within and across these contexts. In this paper we describe and elaborate around the usage of different work analysis methods in a complex, real world work domain: collaborative review of large-scale 3D engineering models. The analysis is based on (i) input from experts in the oil platform engineering field, (ii) previous and related work and (iii) application of different methods considering the recent advances in technology. We conclude that hierarchical task analysis was not effective in obtaining a clear, common vision about the work domain. Storyboarding was the most useful technique as it allowed discovering novelty factors that differentiate the solution and improve the usability of the product, thereby supporting the human work at offshore engineering design and review sessions. IntroductionHuman work interaction design [1] is an emerging research field within HCI that is focused on the user's experience of tasks (procedures) and the artifact environment (constraints in the work domain). That analysis and interpretation of human work is eventually manifested in the design of novel, technology-based products, systems and applications [1]. In this paper, we report on a seven-month research study around the requirements elicitation, scenario design and storyboarding processes for creating a new Virtual Reality (VR) distributed application to support a complex work domain: the collaborative review of large scale 3D engineering models, in the context of the oil and gas industry at a very large organization [2]. The current way of designing industrial plants relies on the communication among experts in several areas of the field, and on tools that allow the specification and simulation of the site. VR resources are used to visualize and interact with complex 3D environments in real time. Several engineering simulations employ VR to foresee the results of complex industrial operations.In this paper, we analyze the user tasks at stake during collaborative sessions of 3D CAD models design and review in the specific context of the oil and gas industry. By studying the users' work and needs, the related existing work and the possibilities that

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With virtual reality (VR) industries and research focusing on gaming, training and, somewhat, in healthcare, there seems to be a lack of VR as simpler form of relaxing leisure, despite its potential. When emotions are targeted, there appears to be a focus on visceral ones like jump scares, panic, high adrenaline, fears and anything related to bad feelings and instinctive reactions. This study explores and proves that VR can effectively relax the user. We conducted an experiment where the users were exposed to VR-based natural sceneries, and we measured its effect on their positive feelings and relaxation levels. We found evidence, with a high degree of significance, of an increase in calmness and a reduction of arousal and energy. This effect is present in short sessions. We also explored the possibility of VR sunsets affecting our subjects’ circadian rhythm.