Human-Computer Interfaces and Interactivity : Emergent Research and Applications

In more ways than one, assistive technologies can have a profound impact on humans and their operations within society. Understanding these emerging technologies is crucial to their effective use in improving human lives. Human-Computer Interfaces and Interactivity: Emergent Research and Applications aims to address the main issues of interest within the culture and design of interactive systems for individuals living with disabilities. This premier reference work addresses a range of approaches including, but not limited to, the conceptual, technological, and design issues related to human-computer interaction, issues of interest to a range of individuals including academics, university teachers, researchers, post-graduate students, public and private institutions, and HCI developers and researchers.

Pedro Isaías is an associate professor at the Universidade Aberta (Portuguese Open University) in Lisbon, Portugal, responsible for several courses and director of the master degree program in Electronic Commerce and Internet since its start in 2003. He holds a PhD in Information Management (in the speciality of information and decision systems) from the New University of Lisbon. Author of several books, book chapters, papers and research reports, all in the information systems area, he has headed several conferences and workshops within the mentioned area. He has also been responsible for the scientific coordination of several EU funded research projects. He is also member of the editorial board of several journals and program committee member of several conferences and workshops. At the moment he conducts research activity related to Information Systems in general, E-Learning, E-Commerce and WWW related areas.

Katherine Blashki has a recognised background in the Communication, Arts and Information Technology faculties at numerous universities including Monash and Deakin Universities in Australia and Noroff University College in Norway, Professor (Dr) Katherine Blashki is also acknowledged for her extensive experience in the creative industries sector with a focus on game-based learning, creating narrative and systems development. Previously Head of School of Multimedia Systems, Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University, Chair of New Media Technologies, a collaboration between the Faculties of Arts, and Science & Technology, both at Deakin University, and Director of Research and Education at AFTRS, Katherine now consults to aspiring higher education institutions across the world. With a demonstrated commitment to encouraging industry innovation, her research and writing credits include more than 110 papers and journals together with participation in community, industry and international consultancies in communication, IT and the creative industries. Katherine is currently Program Chair for the IADIS Games and Entertainment Technologies and Human Computer Interfaces conferences, held since 2005, and a past Board member for Film Victoria based in Australia.