Open Access Published since August 20, 2001

i-com

Journal of Interactive Media

ISSN: 2196-6826

Editor-in-Chief: Michael Koch

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About this journal

Objective
This journal is devoted to human-computer interaction, media design, usability, engineering and systems evaluation, software ergonomics, cooperative systems, e-learning, mobile and ubiquitous systems, user-adaptive systems, agent development tools and methods for media in different application fields (including e-business, knowledge management, leisure and entertainment, transport, engineering, and medicine), barrier-free systems design, and the social aspects of information and communication technologies.

The journal seeks to build bridges between research and practice as well as between teaching and business, emphasizing interdisciplinary teamwork and application-oriented solutions.

The journal is the official organ of the special interest group on "Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)" in the German Association for Informatics (GI).

i-com is an open access journal since 2023. It publishes English-language articles only. The publication frequency is three times per year.

Topics

Computer science
Psychology
Media design
Marketing/branding
Sociology
Business management
Labor and organizational studies

Article formats
Expert research, review articles, and brief reports

Your Benefits

Useful source of information on human-computer interactions today
High quality of published papers guaranteed by German Association for Informatics
Broad scope of ICOM – from research to business and practice

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Ahead of Print / Just Accepted

Ahead of Print / Just Accepted

Volume 23 (2024)

Volume 22 (2023)

Volume 21 (2022)

Volume 20 (2021)

Volume 19 (2020)

Volume 18 (2019)

Volume 17 (2018)

Volume 16 (2017)

Volume 15 (2016)

Volume 14 (2015)

Volume 13 (2014)

Volume 12 (2013)

Volume 11 (2012)

Volume 10 (2011)

Volume 9 (2010)

Volume 8 (2009)

Volume 7 (2008)

Volume 6 (2008)

Volume 5 (2006)

Volume 4 (2005)

Volume 3 (2004)

Volume 2 (2003)

Volume 1 (2002)

Volume - (2001)

Issue 0

i-com publishes special and thematic issues focussed on important and emerging topics in the field of study. The journal has established a rigorous process to ensure that any special issue manuscripts follow the same high-quality standards and peer review processes as regular manuscripts. For further information on the journal’s peer review policy please see the "Instructions for Authors".

Recent Special Issues

CiteScore	3.8	2023, Scopus (Elsevier B.V., 2024)
SCImago Journal Rank	0.335	2023, SJR (Scimago Lab, 2024; Data Source: Scopus)
Source Normalized Impact per Paper	0.520	2023, CWTS Journal Indicators (CWTS B.V., 2024; Data Source: Scopus)

More information about journal rankings

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Submission
You can easily submit your manuscript online. Simply go to https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/icom and you will be guided through the whole peer reviewing and submission process.

Your benefits of publishing with us

Open Access publication
Research freely available for all to read and download
Authors retain copyright – articles published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY-4.0) License
Rapid publication times
Free publication of color figures
Accepted papers will be published online first as DOI-citable, forward-linked articles for quickest possible visibility for the scientific community
Every article easily discoverable because of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and comprehensive abstracting and indexing services
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Special issues devoted to unique topics

Submission process

Submission of your paper via our submission management tool following the Instructions for Authors (you will be guided through every step of the submission process)
The article processing charge (APC) for publishing a research article is € 750
There are no submission charges; APCs will apply after acceptance of a manuscript
Authors, who have limited access to funds, may request a discount or full waiver
Single-blind peer review process
Reviewers will provide the reviews as soon as possible
A decision on your paper is aspired within approx. 6 weeks
Accepted articles are published online approx. 4 weeks after acceptance

Please note

Manuscripts must be written in clear and concise English
All initial submissions are checked for plagiarism via Crossref Similarity Check
Before submitting your article please have a look at Ethical Guidelines and our Licence to Publish
If you have any general questions please visit our FAQ for authors
For more detailed information please contact i-com directly under [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your manuscript!

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief
Michael Koch, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Germany

Co-Editors
Susanne Boll, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany
Sarah Diefenbach, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
Michael Herczeg, University of Lübeck, Germany
Wolfgang Prinz, Fraunhofer FIT, Sankt Augustin, Germany
Alexander Richter, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Jürgen Ziegler, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany

Editorial Board
Mirjam Augstein, FH Oberösterreich Hagenberg, Germany
Arne Berger, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Köthen, Germany
Tanja Döring, University of Bremen, Germany
Anja Exler, Adastra GmbH, Frankfurt/M, Germany
Marc Hassenzahl, University of Siegen, Germany
Johannes Konert, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Fulda, Germany
Rainer Malaka, University of Bremen, Germany
Gerrit Meixner, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, Heilbronn, Germany
Tilo Mentler, Hochschule Trier, Germany
Jasminko Novak, Stralsund University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Michael Prilla, Technische Universität Clausthal, Germany
Albrecht Schmidt, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
Nava Tintarev, TU Delft, Netherlands
Zeynep Tuncer, WBH – Mobile University of Technology, Darmstadt, Germany
Gerhard Weber, Technical University Dresden, Germany
Martijn C. Willemsen, Einhoven University of Technology, Netherlands

Volume 23 Issue 2

August 2024

Publicly Available August 1, 2024

Frontmatter

Page range: i-ii

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Editorial

Open Access July 9, 2024

The future of HCI – editorial

Michael Herczeg, Michael Koch

Page range: 131-132

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Research Articles

Open Access May 14, 2024

Will the design of the human–product relationship follow user experience?

Dominique Winter

Page range: 133-138

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Abstract

Today, user experience (UX) is an essential aspect of the design of digital, interactive products. Thirty years ago, however, things looked different. The focus was not on the experience but on the metaphor of the tool or medium. But how will the design of digital, interactive products develop over the next 30 years? How will the design of products and services change, and how will this influence the UX profession? One possibility is highlighted in particular: focussing on the relationship between the user and the product with elements such as emotional connections. Through relationships, the roles of artificial intelligence, humanity and ethics in the design process and the importance of sustainability and adaptation to changing working and learning environments become particularly relevant. In the future, designers must assume even greater responsibility for users, society and the environment.

Open Access July 9, 2024

The future of interactive information radiators for knowledge workers

How will knowledge workers consume ambient awareness information in the future?

Michael Koch, Florian Ott, Alexander Richter

Page range: 139-153

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Abstract

Information Radiators (IRs) provide context-specific pieces of information in a semi-public place where a group of people can see it while working or passing-by. They can simplify information sharing “out-of-the-box”, foster awareness and socialization, create serendipity and enhance collaboration. Recent sociotechnical developments such as the establishment of permanent hybrid work settings as well as advances in the area of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) such as the emergence of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are likely to impact how IRs are being used – or even challenge their usefulness. In this article we discuss those developments and their possible implications for the design and use of IRs in the context of knowledge work in the next decades. We argue that IRs will probably remain an important part of future office environments providing awareness, supporting serendipity and building a situated social place for matchmaking as well as informal communication. Using new display and interaction technologies (such as AR) they might even grow in importance by enabling fluid work scenarios.

Open Access May 6, 2024

Exploring the evolving landscape of human-centred crisis informatics: current challenges and future trends

Marc-André Kaufhold

Page range: 155-163

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Abstract

Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been used in safety-critical situations for over twenty years. Rooted in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and related disciplines, the field of crisis informatics made considerable efforts to investigate social media use and role patterns in crises, facilitate the collection, processing and refinement of social media data, design and evaluate supportive ICT, and provide cumulative and longitudinal research. This narrative review examines contemporary challenges of human-centred crisis informatics and envision trends for the following decade, including (I) a broadening scope of crisis informatics, (II) the professionalisation of cross-platform collaboration of citizen communities and emergency services, (III) expert interfaces for explainable and multimodal artificial intelligence for user-generated content assessment, (IV) internet of things and mobile apps for bidirectional communication and warnings in disruption-tolerant networks, as well as (V) digital twins and virtual reality for the effective training of multi-agency collaboration in hybrid hazards.

Open Access May 23, 2024

Broadening the mind: how emerging neurotechnology is reshaping HCI and interactive system design

Christina Schneegass, Max L. Wilson, Jwan Shaban, Jasmin Niess, Francesco Chiossi, Teodora Mitrevska, Paweł W. Woźniak

Page range: 165-177

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Abstract

People are increasingly eager to know more about themselves through technology. To date, technology has primarily provided information on our physiology. Yet, with advances in wearable technology and artificial intelligence, the current advent of consumer neurotechnology will enable users to measure their cognitive activity. We see an opportunity for research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in the development of these devices. Neurotechnology offers new insights into user experiences and facilitates the development of novel methods in HCI. Researchers will be able to create innovative interactive systems based on the ability to measure cognitive activity at scale in real-world settings. In this paper, we contribute a vision of how neurotechnology will transform HCI research and practice. We discuss how neurotechnology prompts a discussion about ethics, privacy, and trust. This trend highlights HCI’s crucial role in ensuring that neurotechnology is developed and utilised in ways that truly benefit people.

Open Access June 25, 2024

Evolution of interaction-free usage in the wake of AI

Thomas Herrmann

Page range: 179-187

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Abstract

Interaction-free usage (IfU) will be one of the quantitatively dominant forms of computer use in the future. In qualitative terms, this form of use will cover a wide range of applications, also software that supports communication and cooperation. Digital twins for cooperation and communication will be employed by individual users to maintain a variety of social networking activities. Generative AI will play a decisive role in this development, autonomously identifying user needs, replacing the predominant form of use through prompting with question-and-answer dialogs. These dialogs will also be used to preconfigure systems for IfU phases. The counterpart to IfU, which will become ever less-frequent, is intervening interaction, when users intervene to explore and adjust the performance of AI-based systems in exceptional situations or to optimize them for future task handling.

Open Access May 14, 2024

Augmented future: tracing the trajectory of location-based augmented reality gaming for the next ten years

Samuli Laato, Heinrich Söbke, Manuel F. Baer

Page range: 189-203

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Abstract

Location-based games are a highly technology-dependent game genre that has witnessed an exponential increase in popularity with the democratisation of smartphones as well as ubiquitous mobile data and access to satellite navigation. Moving forward into the future, location-based games can be expected to evolve as the technologies underlying the genre improve. In this conceptual work, we review the current state of the art in location-based games, and identify key trajectories and trends. We discovered 12 trends, based on which we jump ten years into the future and evaluate how current technology trends may end up influencing location-based gaming. For example, we propose that in the year 2035 through improvements in map data services and sensor data coverage, we will see locative games that are increasingly connected to elements in the physical world. We also expect to see gameplay that moves away from solely taking place on a smartphone screen to the adoption of multiple forms of interactions with location-based game worlds, especially as head-mounted displays and other wearables become more commonplace.

Open Access May 22, 2024

Augmented total theatre: shaping the future of immersive augmented reality representations

Sergio Cicconi

Page range: 205-219

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Abstract

This work introduces Augmented Total Theatre (ATT), a new theatrical form that combines Total Theatre with Augmented Reality (AR) to transform theatrical experiences. We first explore ATT features, highlighting its capabilities in creating theatrical representations that surpass traditional theatre. We also examine current technological limitations that hinder the deployment of ATT potential. We venture then into a journey into the future, particularly focusing on the next decade. We try to envisage the evolution of AR and assess whether future advancements will yield a form of AR capable of creating digital worlds that can deceive human senses. Additionally, we explore the role of Generative AI systems in addressing the problems that hold back the current ATT. Specifically, we probe the feasibility of a cost-effective, autonomous, and highly efficient generative AI system to reshape and empower ATT, making it capable of real-time production of (theatrical and non-theatrical) representations of many events in the world. Finally, we try to imagine the ATT of the future: a sophisticated device that integrates cutting-edge AR technology with a super-performing generative AI system. This ATT, transcending its theatrical origins, emerges as a powerful tool for augmenting our sensory experiences and enriching our perception of reality.

Open Access June 18, 2024

Towards new realities: implications of personalized online layers in our daily lives

Eelco Herder, Laura Stojko, Jannis Strecker, Thomas Neumayr, Enes Yigitbas, Mirjam Augstein

Page range: 221-229

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Abstract

We are currently in a period of upheaval, as many new technologies are emerging that open up new possibilities to shape our everyday lives. Particularly, within the field of Personalized Human-Computer Interaction we observe high potential, but also challenges. In this article, we explore how an increasing amount of online services and tools not only further facilitates our lives, but also shapes our lives and how we perceive our environments. For this purpose, we adopt the metaphor of personalized ‘online layers’ and show how these layers are and will be interwoven with the lives that we live in the ‘human layer’ of the real world.

Open Access May 27, 2024

The next decade in accessibility research

Kathrin Gerling, Maria Rauschenberger, Benjamin Tannert, Gerhard Weber

Page range: 231-237

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Abstract

Accessibility research has matured over the last three decades and developed a better understanding of accessibility technologies, design and evaluation methods, systems and tools as well as empirical studies in accessibility. We envision how progress in new contexts over the next decade can be made to develop stronger links to other areas in Human-Centered Computing and address the research communities. A human-centered perspective on disability needs to develop from a medical model to a social model. New methods will utilize generative AI in design and development processes that address accessibility from the start of system design. We build on AI embedded into future design processes to address participation of small numbers of users better, and new technologies to allow for personalization of multi-modal interaction to improve verbal and non-verbal communication, making body-centric computing and natural interaction truly accessible.

Open Access May 6, 2024

The role of digital technologies and Human-Computer Interaction for the future of education

Michael Herczeg

Page range: 239-247

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Abstract

Over the last 50 years education has been transformed by digital technologies. Many efforts have been made to create and apply “digital” teaching and learning methods, tools and platforms. The last 25 years of computer-based education can be characterized by the availability of digital information sources and the implementation and operation of digital learning management platforms based on the Internet. The question about further meaningful and effective progress in the next decades is openly discussed. Many expect strong influences and changes from artificial intelligence systems that generate contextualized information from various sources. Some see interactive virtual worlds expanding and partially replacing the physical world. Many believe in the further development of learning management and communication platforms. Others do not expect much valuable change at all due to the slow pace of complex educational systems with recent studies even showing a decline in the quality of educational outcomes during the last five years as a result of even too much digitalization in education. This paper discusses these positions with an emphasis on the roles of humans and computers and their interfaces, i.e. Human-Computer Interaction, for future learning and teaching with rapidly changing information technologies in the next 25 and 50 years.

Open Access July 15, 2024

The European commitment to human-centered technology: the integral role of HCI in the EU AI Act’s success

André Calero Valdez, Moreen Heine, Thomas Franke, Nicole Jochems, Hans-Christian Jetter, Tim Schrills

Page range: 249-261

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Abstract

The evolution of AI is set to profoundly reshape the future. The European Union, recognizing this impending prominence, has enacted the AI Act, regulating market access for AI-based systems. A salient feature of the Act is to guard democratic and humanistic values by focusing regulation on transparency, explainability, and the human ability to understand and control AI systems. Hereby, the EU AI Act does not merely specify technological requirements for AI systems. The EU issues a democratic call for human-centered AI systems and, in turn, an interdisciplinary research agenda for human-centered innovation in AI development. Without robust methods to assess AI systems and their effect on individuals and society, the EU AI Act may lead to repeating the mistakes of the General Data Protection Regulation of the EU and to rushed, chaotic, ad-hoc, and ambiguous implementation, causing more confusion than lending guidance. Moreover, determined research activities in Human-AI interaction will be pivotal for both regulatory compliance and the advancement of AI in a manner that is both ethical and effective. Such an approach will ensure that AI development aligns with human values and needs, fostering a technology landscape that is innovative, responsible, and an integral part of our society.

Open Access June 28, 2024

From explanations to human-AI co-evolution: charting trajectories towards future user-centric AI

Jürgen Ziegler, Tim Donkers

Page range: 263-272

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Abstract

This paper explores the evolving landscape of User-Centric Artificial Intelligence, particularly in light of the challenges posed by systems that are powerful but not fully transparent or comprehensible to their users. Despite advances in AI, significant gaps remain in aligning system actions with user understanding, prompting a reevaluation of what “user-centric” really means. We argue that current XAI efforts are often too much focused on system developers rather than end users, and fail to address the comprehensibility of the explanations provided. Instead, we propose a broader, more dynamic conceptualization of human-AI interaction that emphasizes the need for AI not only to explain, but also to co-create and cognitively resonate with users. We examine the evolution of a communication-centric paradigm of human-AI interaction, underscoring the need for AI systems to enhance rather than mimic human interactions. We argue for a shift toward more meaningful and adaptive exchanges in which AI’s role is understood as facilitative rather than autonomous. Finally, we outline how future UCAI may leverage AI’s growing capabilities to foster a genuine co-evolution of human and machine intelligence, while ensuring that such interactions remain grounded in ethical and user-centered principles.

Open Access July 22, 2024

Social anthropology 4.0

Mandy Balthasar

Page range: 273-292

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Abstract

Human-computer interaction as a coordinating element between human and machine is used in many different ways. Due to their digital processes, countless industries are dependent on an effective intermeshing of humans and machines. This often involves preparatory work or sub-processes being carried out by machines, which humans initiate, take up, continue, finalise or check. Tasks are broken down into sub-steps and completed by humans or machines. Aggregated cooperation conceals the numerous challenges of hybrid cooperation in which communication and coordination must be mastered in favour of joint decision-making. However, research into human-computer interaction can also be thought of differently than a mere aggregation of humans and machines. We want to propose a nature-inspired possibility that has been successfully practising the complex challenges of joint decision-making as proof of successful communication and coordination for millions of years. Collective intelligence and the processes of self-organisation offer biomimetic concepts that can be used to rethink socio-technical systems as a symbiosis in the form of a human-computer organism. For example, the effects of self-organisation such as emergence could be used to exceed the result of an aggregation of humans and machines as a future social anthropology 4.0 many times over.

Open Access May 16, 2024

Fiction meets fact: exploring human-machine convergence in today’s cinematographic culture

Christoph Endres, Frederic Frieß, Isabella Hermann

Page range: 293-304

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Abstract

This article explores the theme of human-machine convergence as portrayed in modern science fiction movies and TV/streaming series and compares them to real-world advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR). It examines how science fiction often depicts humanoid robots and AI with human-like emotions and intentions, contrasting with the actual technological challenges and ethical considerations in developing intelligent machines. The text discusses the evolution of humanoid robots from fictional portrayals to real-life examples like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and Tesla’s Optimus. The paper also explores the reverse interaction, where humans become avatars in virtual worlds, and briefly discusses the ethical implications of simulating deceased individuals in digital form. Through this examination, the paper emphasizes the complexity of human-machine convergence and the importance of considering social, ethical, and emotional aspects in technological progress. It concludes by suggesting that while science fiction provides insights into societal fears and hopes regarding technology and thus into ethical and regulative necessities, the real trajectory of human-machine convergence cannot be predicted through film but will be determined by ongoing and after all incidental developments in the real world.

(Deutsch)

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Type: Journal
Language: English
Publisher: Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag
First published: August 20, 2001
Publication Frequency: 3 Issues per Year
Audience: The journal is an interdisciplinary professional forum for all scientists, business practitioners, and interested parties. It is devoted to discussing the development, user-appropriate design, and application of new information and communication technologies.