ITI/LARSYS Presence at CHI 2025: Innovation and Excellence in Research

The Institute of Interactive Technologies (ITI) and LARSYS (Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems) are making a remarkable impact at CHI 2025, one of the most prestigious conferences in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Their outstanding contributions include six full papers, two of which received the prestigious Honorable Mention award (top 5%), two Late-Breaking Results (LBRs), one entry in the Student Design Competition, one Special Interest Group (SIG) session, and one workshop.

The strong presence of ITI and LARSYS at CHI 2025 highlights their commitment to advancing HCI research through innovative and socially impactful contributions. Their participation reflects a dedication to shaping the future of technology in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and transformative.

Honorable Mention Papers

  • “A Feminist Care Ethics Toolkit for Community-Based Design: Bridging Theory and Practice” – Ana O. Henriques, Anna R. L. Carter, Beatriz Severes, Reem Talhouk, Angelika Strohmayer, Ana Cristina Pires, Colin M. Gray, Kyle Montague, Hugo Nicolau.
    • This paper introduces a toolkit grounded in feminist care ethics to enhance ethical engagement in community-based projects, fostering ethical reflection and meaningful participation.
  • “Towards Neuroqueer Spatial Justice: A Critical Literature Review of Public Space Technologies for Neurodivergent Populations” – Patricia Piedade, Anna R. L. Carter, Rui Prada, Hugo Nicolau.
    • A critical review exploring the accessibility of public spaces for neurodivergent individuals and proposing a theoretical framework informed by Spatial Justice and Neuroqueer Technoscience to shape inclusive urban environments.

Full Papers

  • “Awareness in Collaborative Mixed-Visual Ability Tangible Programming Activities” – Filipa Rocha, Hugo Simão, João Nogueira, Isabel Neto, Tiago Guerreiro, Hugo Nicolau.
    • Investigates the role of workspace awareness in fostering inclusive collaboration in tangible programming tasks for mixed-visual ability groups.
  • “Digital Technologies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children: A Systematic Review, Critical Reflections, and Future Research Directions” – Jing Zhao, Isabel Neto, Ana Cristina Pires, Catarina Tomé-Pires, Hugo Nicolau.
    • A systematic review identifying gaps in digital technology research for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, highlighting the need for deeper integration of Deaf culture and child development in HCI.
  • “Diving into the Abyss: Exploring Deep Sea Connection and Curiosity through Virtual Reality” – Beatrice Maggipinto, Nuno Jardim Nunes, Jessica Hammer, Yanick Trindade, Valentina Nisi.
    • Examines the potential of VR to foster environmental awareness and curiosity about marine ecosystems through immersive experiences.
  • “Speculative Job Design: Probing Alternative Opportunities for Gig Workers in an Automated Future” – Shuhao Ma, Zhiming Liu, Valentina Nisi, Sarah E. Fox, Nuno Jardim Nunes.
    • Explores speculative job design as a method to address labor challenges in the gig economy, leveraging Feminist HCI principles.

Late-Breaking Results

  • “Exploring the Impact of Transmedia Storytelling on Financial Literacy: A Pilot Evaluation with Young Adults” – Constança Freitas, Ana Santos, Pedro F. Campos, Paulo Bala, Mara Dionisio.
    • Investigates the effectiveness of transmedia storytelling in improving financial literacy through a web-based and board game approach.
  • “Meta-evaluating the Effects of Social Preferences on NPC-evaluators in an Energy Community Game” – Andrés Isaza-Giraldo, Paulo Bala, Anna Jiskrová, Luiz Sachser, Pedro Campos, Lucas Pereira.
    • Studies the influence of social preferences on NPC evaluators in serious games designed for energy communities.

Student Design Competition

  • “Eidolon: Exploring the Complexities of Prolonged Grief Disorder Through a Digital Game” – Filipe Pinheiro Tomé, Ana Cristina Pires, Francisco Vasconcelos, Pedro F. Campos.
    • A thought-provoking thriller game integrating escape room mechanics to address Prolonged Grief Disorder through immersive storytelling.

Workshops

  • “Access InContext: Futuring Accessible Prototyping Tools and Methods” – Patricia Piedade, Peter A. Hayton, Cynthia L. Bennett, Anna R. L. Carter, Clara Crivellaro, Alan Dix, Jess McGowan, Katta Spiel, Miriam Sturdee, Garreth W. Tigwell, Hugo Nicolau.
    • A workshop addressing the accessibility barriers in prototyping tools and methods for people with disabilities, fostering discussions and hands-on ideation.

Special Interest Groups (SIG)

  • “Conducting Ethical Research on Emerging Technologies for Children” – Juan Pablo Hourcade, Ewelina Bakala, Elizabeth Bonsignore, Flannery Hope Currin, Jerry Alan Fails, Amy Gilhoi, Nuria Medina Medina, Delaney Norris, Meredith Onions, Ana Cristina Pires, Greg Walsh, Svetlana Yarosh, Jason Yip.
    • A discussion platform for ethical research on emerging technologies affecting children, exploring best practices beyond legal requirements.