UID research projects

We do research to inspire you. Together with leading research institutes and universities, we work on new technologies and pioneering topics – whether augmented reality in the operating room or research in the mobility sector. As a result, we are not only at the cutting edge of human-machine interaction, but always one step ahead of the trends. As an innovation companion, we develop and realize your product and service visions.

How can future technologies be designed for the users and the market of today and tomorrow? In the research project “DR. BEAT” (Digital Research on Ballistocardiography for Extraterrestrial And Terrestrial Use), we are combining space technology with medical technology. The focus of the project was on the user-centered further development of a ballistocardiographic sensor system for the diagnosis of heart disease. Together with our partners DSI Aerospace Technologie GmbH and Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, we were able to bring together all the expertise required in the project. We developed a high-precision and cost-effective BCG sensor system that can be worn on the body as a small, compact “wearable” and enables continuous health monitoring.

What factors influence how safe cyclists feel in road traffic? We are investigating this question in the ESSEM research project(Emotion Sensing for (e-)bicycle safety and mobility comfort) together with partners from science, industry and cities. To this end, we collected environmental and personal data from cyclists. We used the data to derive ideas on how to improve the infrastructure for cyclists and make bicycle navigation less stressful. For safe and comfortable cycling!

In this research project, UID conceived and designed the augmented reality application HoloMed and implemented it together with KIT from Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. The AR app optimally supports surgeons in the operating room and makes brain operations safer and more efficient. To ensure that the system is perfectly tailored to the needs of users and their workflows, the usability experts at UID involved neurosurgeons in the development right from the start. The project was awarded the UX Design Award and the NEO innovation prize.

• WiMiCare: Developing, implementing and testing scenarios for two service robots in the care sector
• inDAgo: Development of an assistance system that guides senior citizens from place to place without barriers
• SCRIPT: Concept and development of motivational games for stroke patients
• InterMem: Reviving the memories of people with dementia with digital media
• EU research project CCE: Developing ideas and prototypes for a memory aid for dementia patients
• SINA: UX for care robots
• V2me: Virtual friendship coach for seniors
• BMBF project GINA: Research into intuitive robot interaction via touch, gesture and speech
• Experimental photo booth BESTÅBOOTH
• Shape Changing Interfaces: Alternative form of data visualization through colors, shapes and movement
• Smart gardening: always growing fresh herbs thanks to AI and IoT
• Internet-of-Things installation: “Rainminder” smart doormat

Together with our partners, we have developed a standardized procedure for evaluating the user-friendliness and attractiveness of interactive products: With AttrakDiff, you can have users subjectively evaluate the operation and appearance of an interactive product – simply, quickly and inexpensively. Users today expect more than just a high level of functionality. Enjoyment of use and an aesthetically pleasing design are essential for success. With the tool developed by UID, manufacturers of interactive products can measure precisely these factors. They can choose between a total of four questionnaire types: the AttrakDiff, for evaluating attractiveness, and the VisAWI, for evaluating aesthetics, are each available in a short and a long version. AttrakDiff is a joint project by UID, Michael Burmester (Hochschule der Medien) and Marc Hassenzahl (Folkwang University of the Arts Essen).

Do you want to set up an idea development lab in your company? With our many years of experience in innovation development, we are your strategic partner to support your innovation lab. In addition to our cutting-edge customer developments, our reference is our regular participation in renowned, pioneering research projects.