The Inclusive Interaction Lab Presents

Dr. Tamanna Motahar

Postdoctoral Scholar

Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering

University of Washington

Monday, October 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM in SSB-170

Expanding Personal Informatics Research for People with Severe Motor Disabilities

Abstract

Personal informatics (PI) systems, such as self-tracking technologies like Fitbit, are prevalent in the consumer space and have been extensively studied within Human-Centered Computing (HCC) research. However, these systems often fail to include underrepresented populations, such as individuals with severe motor disabilities who use powered wheelchairs. This lecture will focus on expanding PI research through the lens of accessibility research for individuals with severe motor disabilities, particularly those with spinal cord injuries (SCI), to address their exclusion from current PI systems. It will cover the current state of PI for motor disabilities, highlight existing gaps, and provide design guidelines for developing PI solutions tailored to the self-care activities of individuals in their post-injury life.

Short Bio

Dr. Tamanna Motahar is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE) at the University of Washington. She earned her Ph.D. from the Kahlert School of Computing at the University of Utah. Her research interests lie broadly at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Accessibility. Dr. Motahar's research aims to understand how assistive technology can more effectively support individuals with severe motor disabilities, particularly those who use powered wheelchairs for mobility. She actively involves individuals with disabilities in the technology design process, developing tailored solutions to meet their unique needs.