Abstract

Abstract: As digital technology evolves, our interactions with digital systems are extending beyond traditional visual and auditory interfaces. This talk explores the emerging field of multisensory interactions, where senses such as touch, smell, and even taste are integrated to enrich digital experiences. Through various examples, especially focused on smell health, I will highlight the exciting potential of these novel interfaces. I will talk about both the opportunities and challenges in designing multisensory interfaces and experiences, offering insights into how advancements in sensory devices and interfaces can create real-world applications and impact on health and wellbeing.

Bio: Marianna Obrist is a Professor of Multisensory Interfaces at the UCL Computer Science Department. She is pioneering research on touch, taste, and smell in human-computer interaction (HCI), with applications ranging from VR to healthcare and wellbeing. Her recent projects include the EPSRC /NIHR Smell Care project, which extends previous ERC PoC award research into digital smell training and testing solutions. Additionally, she works on the EU FET Touchless.AI project on novel touchless interfaces for social interaction and the UKRI TCC - Textile Circularity Centre, led by RCA , on immersive multisensory textile experiences. Marianna is also a co-founded and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Hynt Labs Limited, a university spin-out developing innovative digital scent technology. Marianna has published over 100 articles in high-impact journals and premier HCI conferences. An overview of her work is featured in the co-authored book Multisensory Experiences: Where the Senses Meet Technology published by Oxford University Press.