Project R-16500

Bridging HCI and Engineering Metrology: Establishing Design Fundamentals and Engineering Interaction-Centered Measurement Tools (Research)

Measurement mistakes are one of the main sources of errors when prototyping or manufacturing a physical object. This research bridges the gap between engineering metrology and human-computer interaction (HCI) by reconceptualizing measurement as an interactive process. Focusing on dimensional measurement, which captures an artifact's geometric properties, the project investigates traditional tools and techniques that rely on numeric units and manual operation, often resulting in gross and systematic errors. Drawing inspiration from historical practices, such as story sticks, and integrating modern digital techniques, we propose the development of innovative "unit-less" measurement instruments. These instruments aim to reduce the cognitive load on users by automating the transfer of measurement information between physical and digital realms without relying on conventional numeric representations.

01 February 2026 - 31 January 2030