User centered technologies research institute

Abstract

In this paper we describe the User Centered Technologies Research Institute at University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg. We illustrate the perspectives on HCI efforts concerning analogous communication in multi-modal HCI as well as our research and development services for enterprises in order to support user centered design. We also describe current research and development activities of User Centered Technologies Research Institute, the policies, and organizational background. The mission of this research institute aims to advance the level of usability of human computer interfaces within EC FP6 idea of European Research Area. Categories & Subject DescriptorsH.5.m Information interfaces and presentation (e.g., HCI): Miscellaneous. Keywords analogous communication, human computer interface, user centered design, virtual reality, usability INTRODUCTIONThe University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg (UAS Vorarlberg) is a young non-profit corporation with the State of Vorarlberg as associate. With several research labs and seven degree programs it is Vorarlberg's foremost research and academic education organisation. The recently established research strategy of UAS Vorarlberg includes to force three new-founded research institutes within the thematic scope of human, engineering and organisations [1]. User Centered Technologies Research Institute (UCT Research Institute) is the one, which concentrates in research and development on the topic HCI.