Personal site: http://www.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~stephen

Biography:
My research focuses on multimodal human computer interaction (HCI), or using multiple sensory modalities and control mechanisms (particularly hearing, touch and gesture) to create a rich, natural interaction between human and computer. My work has a strong experimental focus, applying perceptual research to practical situations. I have shown that novel use of multimodality can significantly improve usability in a wide range of situations. My work on sound is in the design and use of Earcons, the auditory equivalent of icons. I have done fundamental work in Earcon design and showed them to be beneficial in many different situations. The work has moved into three dimensions and I have looked at 3D sound for mobile information display coupled with gestures. Work in the area of haptic (touch-based) interaction has concentrated around gestures, force-feedback and tactile displays. I have investigated low-level virtual texture perception, haptics in desktop and mobile interfaces and collaborative haptics.

Research Interests:
- Multimodal human-computer interaction (HCI)
- Novel multimodal interfaces for mobile devices
- Sounds: 3D sound, Musicons and Earcons in human-computer interfaces,
  Sonification/Perceptualisation of data
- Gestural interaction
- Haptics: The use of force-feedback devices, tactile displays, thermal feedback,
  pressure input for interaction
- User interfaces to digital cameras and 3D TVs
- Interaction design for older users and users with visual disabilities, homecare systems