Body-touching: An embodied interaction technique for health information systems in developing regions

Abstract

We present a study of using embodied health information system for developing regions focusing on users not familiar with technology. We designed and developed a health information system with two gesture-based selection techniques: pointing to a screen and touching one's own body part. We evaluated the prototype in user study with 37 semi-literate and literate participants. Our results indicate a clear preference (76%) for touching in the healthcare domain. Based on our observations and user feedback, we present four design guidelines for developing embodied systems for the developing world: designing bodycentric interaction to overcome literacy and technological proficiency barriers, addressing the misconceptions of system behaviors with users not familiar with technology, understanding effects of cultural constraints on interaction, and utilizing interactive virtual avatars to connect with the users.