There are many populations who need assistive technologies while driving such as the millions of Americans suffer traumatic brain injuries each year, and the majority of them return to driving at some point following their recovery. However, the residual effects of TBIs can affect perception, cognition, emotion, and motor abilities. In collaboration with the Shepherd Center, we are developing software that can help improve the attention and abilities of drivers post-TBI. The system could help all kinds of drivers who may have attention lapses, cognitive processing issues, or other issues that impact driving. Similar types of applications could be built for many other types of issues as well (e.g., novice drivers, aging adults, & quote stressed out drivers).
The Georgia Tech Sonification Lab is an interdisciplinary research group based in the School of Psychology and theSchool of Interactive Computing at Georgia Tech. Under the direction of Prof. Bruce Walker, the Sonification Lab focuses on the development and evaluation of auditory and multimodal interfaces, and the cognitive, psychophysical and practical aspects of auditory displays, paying particular attention to sonification. Special consideration is paid to Human Factors in the display of information in "complex task environments," such as the human-computer interfaces in cockpits, nuclear powerplants, in-vehicle infotainment displays, and in the space program.
[Random Image of Auditory Interface] Since we specialize in multimodal and auditory interfaces, we often work with people who cannot look at, or cannot see, traditional visual displays. This means we work on a lot of assistive technologies, especially for people with vision impairments. We study ways to enhance wayfinding and mobility, math and science education, entertainment, art, music, and participation in informal learning environments like zoos and aquariums.
The Lab includes students and researchers from all backgrounds, including psychology, computing, HCI, music, engineering, and architecture. Our research projects are collaborative efforts, often including empirical (lab) studies, software and hardware development, field studies, usabilty investigations, and focus group studies.
