Supervisor: Albin Zeqiri

Level: Bachelor & Master

The efficiency paradox (also known as "rebound effect") is the concept that increases in resource efficiency can lead to higher consumption, which offsets the environmental benefits. For example, energy-efficient light bulbs may lead to decreased energy consumption per bulb, but leaving them on for longer periods could increase overall energy consumption. Without addressing the issue, sustainable transitions will remain challenging, and environmental issues will persist or even worsen. The goal of theses on this topic is to design and evaluate countermeasures to mitigate these effects. Based on Bachelor or Master level the thesis is adapted.

Supervisor: Albin Zeqiri

Level: Bachelor & Master

Clicktivism and slacktivism are terms used to describe the phenomenon of people engaging in online activism by taking simple actions, such as liking or sharing a post, without necessarily committing to more substantial or sustained efforts towards a cause. Goals of theses in this area are to explore how widely used clicktivism design mechanisms influence one's motivation in regard to taking real-world action. Researching the effects of clicktivism on real-world action can help understand its potential impact, identify best practices, examine social media's role, and address criticisms of slacktivism. Based on bachelor or master level, the scope is adapted.

Supervisor: Albin Zeqiri

Level: Bachelor & Master

Goals of theses in this area cover the development of new, interactive concepts that introduce living materials or even microorganisms into hardware and map its respective needs to various device functionalities. Based on bachelor or master level, the scope is adapted.

Betreuer: Tobias Wagner

Level: Bachelor & Master

Beschreibung: Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, ein Tool zum Austausch von nonverbalen Hinweisen zu implementieren, um die Kommunikation von Gesprächspartnern in Videokonferenzsystemen zu verbessern. Es werden die Auswirkungen der nonverbalen Hinweise auf die Kopräsenz und Interaktion zwischen den Teilnehmern untersucht.

Supervisor: Luca Meinhardt and Jana Funke

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description: Based on literature research and related work, this thesis will aim for a solution to boost our self-control in phone usage. Our goal is to help people establish healthier smartphone usage by nudging them to do sports instead of browsing the phone.

Supervisor: Mark Colley

Level: Bachelor & Master

The aim of this thesis is to define requirements for remote control of multiple automated vehicles.

A user-centered design process shall be undergone, a prototype implemented, and a usability study should be conducted.

Based on bachelor/master level the scope is adapted.

Betreuer: Annalisa Degenhrad

Level: Bachelor & Master

Beschreibung: Goal of this thesis is to investigate how stress scenarios in VR should be designed to achieve efficient stress training or therapy of fear respectively. Therfore a stress scenario in VR will be designed with different levels of detail. In a supsequent study, presence and anxiety will be measured to investigate effects of different design solutions.

Betreuer: Annalisa Degenhrad

Level: Bachelor & Master

Beschreibung: Goal of this thesis is to investigate VR exposure scenarios for trauma therapy of childhood sexual abuse can be designed to reduce drop out rates. Therefore, to different approaches to create the patients' childhood room together with the therapists will be developed. In subsequent trials, stress and presence will be measured to compare the effectiveness of both approaches.

Supervisor:  Luca-Maxim Meinhardt

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description

The first thing we do when we get up and the last thing we do before we go to sleep is to look at our phone to check for new notifications and search for new content on social media. Unfortunately, our dependence on technology is already so deeply integrated into our habits that we do not even realize how often we use our phones. On the one hand, this addiction harms us by being less focused due to distraction via notifications. Additionally, it is said that social media contributes to our attention span getting smaller. On the other hand, technology usage is also harming our social interactions during face-to-face interactions. For example, some people focus on their phones instead of engaging in a conversation, decreasing its quality. Recent trends in wearable technology, such as smartwatches and AR glasses, might even deteriorate this behavior. Therefore, new methods and interactions must be found to nudge people towards healthier technology usage and change their habits unconsciously.

Supervisor:  Luca-Maxim Meinhardt

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description
Imagine the scenario that you need to translate a document in a foreign language that you are not familiar with. You will probably look for an online translator such as Google Translator or DeepL and just copy the translator’s output. But how can you trust this translation? How can you be sure that the translation is precisely what you are trying to say? Prominent examples are sayings that might have no meaning if translated word by word. But since you are not familiar with the language, you cannot verify if the online translator grasped the hidden meaning behind the saying. Current online translators lack this explainability. They provide multiple alternatives for the translated phrase, but there is no explanation about why these alternatives were shown and how well they suit the inputted text.

Supervisor:  Luca-Maxim Meinhardt

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description
The human peripherical vision provides us with information without shifting our focus from the primary task. This is particularly interesting since peripheral vision demands less cognitive load. So information that is positioned at the edge of the field of view can be received unconsciously without drawing attention. A prominent example is car driving since only a short moment of inattention might end in serious accidents. However, even daily struggles with loud and attention-drawing smartphone notifications that distract from working might be solved calmly with peripherical displays. In order to enable this concept, Augmented Reality glasses are the key since they provide us with wearable displays attached to our view. 

Supervisor:  Luca-Maxim Meinhardt

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description
This thesis aims to test different kinds of obstacle-avoidance visualization during bad weather conditions in Urban Air Mobility. Furthermore, investigations should be conducted regarding path visualizations of the own vehicle and other vehicles in order to support the passenger‘s mental model of the flying urban traffic. A prototype should be designed and implemented in VR that investigates the concepts mentioned above in a user study.

Supervisor:  Luca-Maxim Meinhardt

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description:  Urban Air Mobility (UAM) has started to gain increasing interest in future mobility. Unlike conventional transportation such as buses and trains, flying taxis will not be limited to predefined routes, thus avoiding transportation delays. Hence, the vision is to create a network of flying vehicles operating in metropolitan areas to connect short and medium distances. 
Experts predict that the first UAM vehicles will lift passengers in the mid 2020th. In fact, the first crewed flight of the German start-up Volocopter successfully ran 2019 in Singapour.
UAM will shift air mobility from the current mass transportation to a relatively private ride with 2-4 passengers, which creates new interesting aspects for HCI research since the passengers are focused.
 

Supervisor: Evgeny Stemasov

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description:  The aim of this thesis is research and development of interactive design and fabrication methods, where a user collaborates with a machine in a design or fabrication process, instead of using it as a passive tool. The tool itself then interferes with the process and actively influences it. This includes analysis of existing research, specification of new concepts, their implementation and evaluation in either soft- or hardware.

Based on the graduate level (Bachelor, Master) and interest, the scope of the thesis is adapted.

Supervisor: Evgeny Stemasov

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description: Unlike traditional craft and fabrication methods, the design of a 3D-printed part is fully disconnected from its fabrication. In the future, interactive design and fabrication of objects may happen directly at or inside the 3D-printer. Goals of theses in this area cover the development of new, interactive fabrication methods. This includes analysis of existing research, specification of new concepts, their implementation and evaluation.

Based on the graduate level (Bachelor, Master) and interest, the scope of the thesis is adapted.

Supervisor: Evgeny Stemasov

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description: While we often adapt our digital tools (e.g. shortcuts, color schemes), we rarely adapt and change our physical tools. A goal of theses in this area revolves around improving the process of personal fabrication for real-world objects. This includes determining requirements (aesthetic, ergonomic, functional), designing parts to be created and fabricating them. Software that improves scanning/design or hardware that improves fabrication can both be the focus of theses in this area.

Based on the graduate level (Bachelor, Master) and interest, the scope of the thesis is adapted.

Supervisor: Evgeny Stemasov

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description: Formative fabrication adds the dimension of deformation do fabrication, as is usual in clay modelling. The process then benefits from the users’ dexterity, tangible understanding of the design and the haptic consequences it may have. Goals of theses in this area cover the development of new, interactive fabrication methods that directly involve the user in modelling or altering geometry. Instead of interacting with software, they interact with the material itself and are supported by an interactive system. A thesis includes related work research, new concepts, their implementation and evaluation.

Based on the graduate level (Bachelor, Master) and interest, the scope of the thesis is adapted.

Supervisor: Mark Colley

Level: Bachelor & Master

The aim of these thesis topics is to investigate how to aid people with various impairments with the possibilites of future technologies.A related work research should be conducted and interdisciplinary, learning psychological, didactic and information science approaches should be considered.

Based on bachelor/master level the scope is adapted.

Supervisor: Mark Colley

Level: Bachelor & Master

These topics aim to look at how autonomous vehicles can be used in the future besides transportation. For example, an autonomous vehicle standing at the side could monitor its surroundings and warn both pedestrians and oncoming vehicles of potential threats.

Based on bachelor/master level the scope is adapted.

Supervisor: Mark Colley

Level: Bachelor & Master

The aim of these thesis themes is to investigate which information needs there are in the case of highly automated driving when no actual involvement of the human driver is needed. A related work research should be conducted and interdisciplinary, learning psychological, didactic and information science approaches should be considered.

Based on bachelor/master level the scope is adapted.

Supervisor: Mark Colley

Level: Bachelor & Master

The aim of this thesis is to conceptualize and test AI-based interaction in autonomous vehicles. A related work research should be conducted and interdisciplinary, learning psychological, didactic and information science approaches should be considered.

Based on bachelor/master level the scope is adapted.

Supervisor: Mark Colley

Level: Bachelor & Master

The aim of this thesis is to build a possibility to educate the general public about driving-related Artificial Intelligence. A related work research should be conducted and interdisciplinary, learning psychological, didactic and information science approaches should be considered.

Based on bachelor/master level, the scope is adapted.

Supervisor: Mark Colley

Level: Bachelor & Master

The aim of this thesis is to conceptualize and test information needs and/or external communication necessity in autonomous helicopters. A related work research should be conducted and interdisciplinary, learning psychological, didactic and information science approaches should be considered.

Based on bachelor/master level the scope is adapted.

Supervisor: Mark Colley

Level: Bachelor & Master

Description:

Autonomous vehicles will change the way we interact with such systems. As a driver could be missing, these vehicles will likely be equipped with, for example, displays to communicate with pedestrians or cyclists. But how will this effect traffic on a larger scale? Will traffic flow be higher? Will there be a reduction of CO2 gases?

The aim of this thesis is to define requirements for a simulation of traffic with inclusion of varying degrees of eHMIs and to implement such in a traffic simulation (e.g., SUMO). This includes a literature survey on eHMIs and the definition of well-grounded assumptions on the future behavior of pedestrians.
Based on bachelor/master level the scope is adapted.

Supervisor: Philipp Hock

Level: Bachelor

Description:

The goal of this thesis is to design, implement, conduct and evaluate a driving simulator experiment with a holographic display. The research question is, does a technical mature appearance has an influence on trust, certainty and usage of the automation.

Supervisor: Jan Ole Rixen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description:

The goals of theses in this area cover identifying potential future applications of AR devices in a social context. Including the analysis of existing research, specification of new concepts, their implementation, and evaluation. Based on the graduate level (Bachelor, Master) and interest, the scope of the thesis is adopted

Supervisor: Jan Ole Rixen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description:

This thesis's primary goal is to develop a concept and application that utilizes deep fake technology to dynamically create content of the self and explore its psychological influences on us. Therefore, related work has to be identified and analyzed. Also, a concept has to be invented, implemented, and evaluated.

Supervisor: Jana Funke 

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description:

The goal is to implement a smart tool using any kind of Hard- and Software (AR, Eyetracking, Motion Capture, Smartphone) that motivates or even convinces people to stand up and move at least a bit. In a following study the tool should be tested and evaluated.

Supervisor: Teresa Hirzle

Level: Master

Description: The aim of this thesis is to build a haptic feedback device that helps presenters in remote presentations to gain feedback about the audience.

Supervisor: Annika Stampf

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description:

The aim of this thesis is to investigate how trust and acceptance is influenced if the driving style of an autonomous vehicle is adapted to the current state of a user. A prototype should be implemented in Unity and a user study should be conducted.

Supervisor: Annika Stampf

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description:

The aim of this work is to investigate what anthropomorphic features can be used in in-vehicle interfaces (such as physiological signals, e.g. heart beat or a nudge to the driver from the vehicle). These identified features should be implemented prototypically in a VR environment with Unity. Subsequently, a user study should be conducted to evaluate whether those identified features have a positive impact on passengers' trust in HAVs. 

Supervisor: Annika Stampf

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description:

The aim of this work is to design and prototypically implement an in-vehicle avatar, which is able to adapt to the appearance of a passenger, for example by using DeepFake. The avatar should be further able to mimic the passenger. Subsequently, a user study should be conducted to evaluate whether similarity and mimicry have positive impacts on passengers trust in highly automated vehicles.

Supervisor: Annika Stampf

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description:

The aim of this work is to design new implicit in-vehicle interaction concepts for highly automated vehicles (HAVs). These concepts should be implemented with Unity (in a driving simulator or VR environment). Subsequently, a user study should be conducted to evaluate whether those concepts have a positive influence on passengers’ trust, acceptance, and user experience in HAVs.

Supervisor: Pascal Jansen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description: The aim of this thesis is to explore a suitable use case for shape changing interfaces in automated vehicles. A related work research should be conducted and a prototype, e.g., in virtual reality should be designed and implemented that investigates several of these aspects. Finally, the defined hypothesis should be evaluated by conducting a study.

Supervisor: Pascal Jansen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description: This thesis aims to create a concept for an AI-based interaction or intention prediction that can be applied in vehicles. A related work research should be conducted. Besides, a virtual reality prototype should be designed and implemented that investigates several of these aspects. Finally, the defined hypothesis should be evaluated by conducting a study.

Supervisor: Pascal Jansen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description: This thesis aims to create an interface concept for explainable in-vehicle AI in automated vehicles. Related work research should be conducted, and a virtual reality prototype should be designed and implemented. Finally, the created interface should be evaluated by conducting a study.

Supervisor: Pascal Jansen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description: The aim of this thesis is to investigate the social interplay of multiple passengers in a highly automated vehicle in a ride-sharing scenario. A related work research should be conducted, and a multiplayer virtual reality prototype should be implemented. Finally, the defined hypothesis should be evaluated by conducting a study.

Supervisor: Pascal Jansen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description: The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the applicability of asymmetric multi-user AR and arising social dynamics. For this, a prototype based on the ShARe concept (see images) should be designed and implemented. Finally, the defined hypothesis should be evaluated by conducting a study.

Supervisor: Pascal Jansen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description: The aim of this thesis is to investigate how to utilize one or multiple drones as a user interface and exploring the design space thereof. A related work research should be conducted, and a prototype built upon existing quadcopters can be designed and implemented. Finally, the defined hypothesis may be evaluated by conducting a study.

Supervisor: Pascal Jansen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description: The aim of this thesis is to investigate how to prime drivers for a takeover, to increase effectiveness, reduce driving errors, and to make the takeover as relaxing as possible. A related work research should be conducted and a prototype using the existing SwiVR-Car-Seat should be designed and implemented that investigates these aspects. Finally, the defined hypothesis should be evaluated by conducting a study.

Supervisor: Pascal Jansen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description: The aim of this thesis is to build a low-cost high fidelity motion simulator in virtual reality based on a motorized wheelchair. A related work research should be conducted, and interdisciplinary and information science approaches should be considered. A prototype based on existing hardware should be designed and implemented that investigates several of these aspects. Finally, the defined hypothesis should be evaluated by conducting a study.

Supervisor: Pascal Jansen

Level: Bachelor / Master

Description: How can human-computer interfaces (e.g., via wearables, robots, AR/VR, smart vehicles, fabrication, habitats, etc.) support humans‘ physical and mental performance in space? This thesis aims to investigate the unique interplay of human-computer interaction (HCI) and space exploration. A prototype of a computer interface in space should be implemented in VR, and the defined concepts should be evaluated by conducting a user study.

Supervisor: Annalisa Degenhard

Level: Bachelor / Master

The aim of this thesis is to explore the phenomenon of presence in virtual reality. A literature analysis should be conducted. By designing a suitable virtual environment a hypothesis on the behavior of presence will be tested in a user study. The goal is to get insights into how users perceive virtual environments and to draw conclusions on how they should be designed to improve the experience of virtual reality.

Supervisor: Annalisa Degenhard

Level: Bachelor

The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether users tend to be more present ("the feeling of being there") in virtual environments if they don't know about their real-world surroundings. Therefore, a corresponding literature analysis should be conducted and a study should be designed to test this hypothesis. 

Supervisor: Albin Zeqiri

Level: Bachelor

Goals of theses in this area cover the development of new, interactive concepts that explicitly or implicitly induce behavior change regarding mobility choices. Theses include reviewing relevant literature, implementing, and evaluating the developed concepts. Based on bachelor/master level the scope is adapted.

Supervisor: Albin Zeqiri

Level: Bachelor

The aim of this thesis is to develop strategies that mitigate the effect of dark patterns in MR. This includes reviewing/categorizing relevant literature, implementing, and evaluating the developed concepts. Based on bachelor/master level the scope is adapted