All tutorials below are half-day, and the time is currently TBD
Tutorial #1: Biosignal Processing for Affective Computing Applications in Virtual Reality
Presenter name, affiliation, and email
- Monica Perusquia-Hernandez
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan
Abstract
Physiological signals are an important proxy for understanding emotion-related body processes, and when coupled with Virtual Reality (VR), they are a powerful tool for investigating those changes in context. VR has been found to elicit stronger experiences than other methods and is easier to control than experiences in the wild. Furthermore, research on how to create more immersive, realistic, and heightened-sense-of-presence virtual realities has benefited extensively from biosignal assessments. This tutorial will provide a comprehensive introduction to the most common biosignals used in affective computing, including recommendations on best measurement practices and processing methods for each signal using openly available tools. In particular, synchronization between multiple biosignals and Virtual Reality implementations will be demonstrated, and physiologically plausible temporal windows for each signal will be discussed.
Schedule of program topics
- Introduction to Virtual Reality and Biosignal Measurement
- Biosignal processing using out-of-the-shelf toolboxes
- Synchronization of Virtual Reality stimuli and biosignal measurement
Target audience and prerequisites
It is preferable that participants:
– Are familiar with Python and Unity
– Bring their own laptop with a Python development environment ready, and Unity installed.
Point of contact
Contact form TBD
Tutorial #2: Human-Centered Design for Culturally Aware Affective Computing: Applications in Robotics for Mental Well-Being
Presenter name, affiliation, and email
- Dr. Samira Rasouli (Presenter)
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL)
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- University of Waterloo, Canada
- samira.rasouli@uwaterloo.ca
- Prof. Kerstin Dautenhahn (Co-organizer)
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), IEEE, AISB
- Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Socially Intelligent Robotics
- Canada 150 Research Chair in Intelligent Robotics (Laureate)
- Director of Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL)
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- University of Waterloo, Canada
- kerstin.dautenhahn@uwaterloo.ca
Abstract
Affective computing systems are increasingly being deployed in healthcare, education, and everyday life, creating a growing need for systems that are not only emotionally intelligent but also human-centered and culturally aware. This tutorial introduces Human-Centered Design (HCD), co-design, and participatory methods for developing affective computing systems that support diverse users and contexts. Participants will learn how cultural norms, emotional expression, communication styles, and user expectations influence the design and evaluation of affective systems, and how these factors can be incorporated throughout the design process. Drawing on examples from culturally aware robotic systems to support mental well-being, the tutorial will demonstrate practical approaches for identifying user needs, designing emotionally intelligent interactions, addressing ethical and cultural considerations, and evaluating affective systems. Through presentations, case studies, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will learn human-centered design methods to create more inclusive, adaptive, and culturally aware affective computing systems.
Schedule of program topics
- Introduction to Affective Computing
- Overview of affective computing
- Applications in healthcare, education, and well-being
- Opportunities and challenges
- Cultural Variation in Emotion and Social Interaction
- Cross-cultural differences in emotional expression and communication
- Implications for the design and evaluation of affective systems
- Human-Centered Design for Affective Computing: Foundations and Applications
- Human-Centered Design process
- Participatory and co-design methods
- Designing Emotionally Intelligent and Culturally Aware Interactions
- Emotion-aware interaction design
- Hands-on co-design activity for a real-world affective computing application
- Evaluating Culturally Aware Affective Systems
- Qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods
- Key Takeaways and Discussion
- Summary of concepts and methods
- Q&A
Target audience and prerequisites
This tutorial is intended for researchers, practitioners, designers, and students working in affective computing, human-computer interaction (HCI), human-robot interaction (HRI), social robotics, artificial intelligence, digital mental health, and related fields. It will be particularly relevant to attendees interested in culturally aware affective systems, socially intelligent agents, and human-centered design approaches.
No programming, robotics, or technical implementation experience is required. The tutorial focuses on human-centered design, participatory methods, and evaluation approaches for affective computing systems.
Participants are encouraged to actively engage in discussions and collaborative activities. A smartphone, tablet, or laptop may be useful for accessing digital materials.
Point of contact
Kerstin Dautenhahn – kerstin.dautenhahn@uwaterloo.ca
Samira Rasouli – samira.rasouli@uwaterloo.ca