Design space and usability of earable prototyping

Abstract

Earable computing gains growing attention within research and becomes ubiquitous in society. However, there is an emerging need for prototyping devices as critical drivers of innovation. In our work, we reviewed the features of existing earable platforms. Based on 24 publications, we characterized the design space of earable prototyping. We used the open eSense platform (6-axis IMU, auditory I/O) to evaluate the problem-based learning usability of non-experts. We collected data from 79 undergraduate students who developed 39 projects. Our questionnaire-based results suggest that the platform creates interest in the subject matter and supports self-directed learning. The projects align with the research space, indicating ease of use, but lack contributions for more challenging topics. Additionally, many projects included games not present in current research. The average SUS score of the platform was 67.0. The majority of problems are technical issues (e.g., connecting, playing music). CCS CONCEPTS• Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in ubiquitous and mobile computing.

Iswc 2020

“…Fang et al 2 presented FLECTILE, an approach to produce three-dimensional-printable soft actuators that can be used for a wide range of wearable computing scenarios with potential to direct interaction, for example, in clothes. R€ oddiger et al 3 explored in detail and systematically the new field of "earable" computing in which sensing and computing platforms are integrated into platforms that are worn around or in the ear.…”

Gear Up for Safety:Development and Evaluation of an Assisted Bicycle

“…Our approach is novel in a way that we want to translate various automotive-related concepts to the bike in order to increase cycling safety, reduce emissions, and expand the user base to currently excluded target groups. Beside reducing riders' risk to fall over, this includes (1) Active Safety Features, such as automated emergency braking, cruise control, or lane keeping; (2) Device Integration to allow cyclists (at least for a short time) to use digital services (utilizing, for example, augmented reality or "earables" [12]); (3) Connected Driving Features, such as platooning with bikes or better integration into cooperative, intelligent transport systems.…”