People with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) performing computer work for 4+ hours/day should take microbreaks every hour to reduce their symptoms. Unlike apps and notifications, tangible user interfaces offer the opportunity to provide non-focus-demanding and calm break-reminders in users’ periphery.

We investigated the need for break reminders that do not disrupt the user’s workflow and provide passive awareness while being conducive to productivity. Specifically, we propose actuating everyday objects as a potential solution. We co-designed with people with repetitive strain injury and implemented 3 high-fidelity actuating prototypes as calm non-focus- demanding break-reminders: ShyFlame, Snoopy, and Luna (from left to right and bottom).

This figure shows three tangible break reminders.

People

Aditi Singh

Sara Nabil

Anne Roudaut

Audrey Girouard

Publications

conference

Co-designing Tangible Break Reminders with People with Repetitive Strain Injury

Aditi Singh, Sara Nabil, Anne Roudaut, Audrey Girouard

Human-Computer Interaction – INTERACT 2021, 2021

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