Aims and scope

Behaviour & Information Technology (BIT)puts people before technology. As such it deviates from other related journals. It is the primary scientific venue for peer-reviewed publications on human-centred IT.

BIT reports original research studies, practical case studies, and thoughtful articles on:

• usability and user experience (UX)
• human computer interaction (HCI)
• human-centred and user-centred design
• the social, business and human aspects of the digital world.

The Journal attracts authors and readers from a variety of disciplines (e.g., usability, user experience, psychology, ergonomics, computer science, and sociology), originating from both academics and industry.

All papers are subject to initial appraisal by the Editor, and, if found suitable for further consideration, will undertake rigorous double anonymized peer review by independent, anonymous expert referees.

Taylor & Francis make every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in our publications. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor & Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions

Readership

Human-computer interaction researchers, software and system designers, cognitive ergonomists, psychologists.

All published research articles in this journal have undergone rigorous peer review, based on initial editor screening and anonymous refereeing by independent expert referees. 

Special Issue on Persuasive Technology 2024
Submission Date: 2024-09-12

Special Issue Editor(s)

Khin Than Win, University of Wollongong, Australia
win@uow.edu.au

Raian Ali, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar
raali2@hbku.edu.qa

    Special issue of selected papers from the 19th International Conference on Persuasive Technology. The special issue is by invitation only.
    The scope is in
        Persuasive systems design
        Behavior change support systems
        Interaction with persuasive systems, interfaces, visualisation
        Interactive agents in persuasive systems
        AI for persuasive technology
        Tailored and personalised persuasion
        Gamification for persuasion
        Evaluation and validation of persuasive applications
        Software architectures and technical infrastructures for persuasive systems
        Smart environments, e.g. IoT and persuasion
        Digital Marketing, eCommerce, eTourism and SMART ecosystems
        Motivational, cognitive and perceptual factors in persuasive technology
        Application domains for persuasive technologies such as safety, healthy living, sustainable behaviours, learning and training, marketing and commerce, work environments, organisations
        Positive technology
        Humanizing and/or dehumanising effects of persuasive technology
        Values and ethics in persuasive technology
        Privacy, perceived security and trust in persuasive technology
        Resilience and counter-persuasion
        Detecting persuasive strategies in social media posts
        Encouraging adherence to safety measures in pandemic situations

Special Issue on Technological Advances and Their Impact on Social Behavior, Neuroscience, and Interpersonal Communication: Opportunities and Risks
Submission Date: 2024-09-24

Special Issue Editor(s)

Chiara Fini, Sapienza University of Rome
chiara.fini@uniroma1.it

Anna M. Borghi, Sapienza University of Rome & ISTC-CNR, Rome
anna.borghi@uniroma1.it

Salvatore Maria Aglioti, Sapienza University of Rome & IIT, Rome
salvatoremaria.aglioti@uniroma1.it

Takahiko Koike, RIKEN, Japan
takahiko.koike@riken.jp

Dimitris Bolis, IIT, Rovereto, Italy
dimitrios.bolis@iit.it

Vanessa Era, Sapienza University of Rome
Vanessa.era@uniroma1.it

In contemporary societies, technological advances have reshaped the landscape of social interactions.

The revolution in communication technology, including the advent of social media, video calls, and instant messaging, has transcended geographical barriers, fostering global connections.

In the realm of social research, technological development has propelled the field towards remarkable achievements.

The second-person approach, asserting that the study of human social cognition necessitates real-time interactions rather than passive observation, has faced methodological challenges. However, recent technological advances have opened new avenues for understanding and facilitating genuine social interaction.

Notably, communication technology extends beyond human-human interactions, with artificial intelligence (AI) exhibiting anthropomorphic features and outperforming human capabilities. AI plays diverse roles in robotics and applied research, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Despite the advantages, the societal impact of technological development is not without drawbacks.

Increasing addictive behaviors towards smartphones, the internet, and digital gaming, coupled with a pervasive sense of Fear of Missing Out -FOMO- and cyberloafing, pose challenges to individual and collective mental health. Societal repercussions include heightened feelings of loneliness, techno-cultural stress, digital inequality in communities lacking tech resources, and a global risk of privacy violation.

This multidisciplinary proposal investigates these phenomena across the lifespan, focusing on:

    Technologically-mediated research practices within the social and psychological fields, encompassing neurodiverse populations (with an emphasis on second-person approaches) and wellbeing.

    Real-life smart technology, AI, and robotics, exploring new opportunities in pedagogy, rehabilitation, entertainment, and motivation.
    Digital connection and interpersonal behavior, examining consequences and risks for mental health

The Research Theme encompasses a broad spectrum of work, shedding light on how technologically- mediated interactions influence life in modern societies, spanning neuroscientific and psychological research practices, robotics, and interpersonal behavior. Three sessions are dedicated to presenting promising tech applications and methodologies, exploring robotics and smart technology in various fields, and digging into the impact of the progressive inhibition of embodied interactions leading to loneliness, techno-cultural stress, addictive behaviors, FOMO, and cyberloafing.

Special Issue on Spatial Computing
Submission Date: 2024-11-20

Special Issue Editor(s)

Konstantinos Papangelis, Rochester Institute of Technology (USA)
kxpigm@rit.edu

Nick LaLone, Rochester Institute of Technology (USA)
Samuli Laato, Tampere University (Finland)
Jiagnan Xu, Rochester Institute of Technology (USA)
Sanzida Mojib Luna, Sanzida Mojib Luna
Garreth W. Tigwell, Garreth W. Tigwell

Spatial Computing is rapidly evolving beyond geographical relationships and into a realm where Mixed Reality (MR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), GPS, mobile technologies, and networks converge into a hybrid space. This integration facilitates not just dynamic visual content but also immersive experiences through audio, haptic feedback, and gesture-based interfaces. The result is a new collection of possibilities in various industries including gaming, education, design, and healthcare. In recent years, a growing number of applications empowered by Spatial Computing is flourishing. A notable example of this evolution is the Apple Vision Pro, which exemplifies the integration of these technologies.

Despite this rapid evolution, scholarly attention has tended to focus on the technology itself, rather than its application or consequence. Notably missing from the research discussion are factors regarding human-to-human interaction, and human-environment interaction, facilitated by human-computer interactions. This is becoming more important because when connecting people in a hybrid space, social interactions like coordination and collaboration quickly escape their current paradigm.

As the definition of “environment” is expanding from physical surroundings to a hybrid space, trust and territoriality gain new meanings. In addition, there are many questions surrounding the ethics of Spatial Computing that are yet to be asked, let alone answered. For example, Spatial Computing hardware like the Apple Vision Pro showcases interesting new spaces of interaction while raising questions about accessibility and user inclusivity.  This highlights the need for more comprehensive studies on how diverse (culturally, physically, and demographically) user groups interact with such technologies and the potential ethical implications. Only by examining the impact of Spatial Computing on human spaces can reveal how it influences individuals, groups of users, and society as a whole.

To this end, our special issue will explore how (will) Spatial Computing with the rise of new technological practices that are currently creating a range of possibilities, as well as challenges and potential solutions. This calls for an interdisciplinary approach in research, encompassing fields such as accessibility, social science, sociology, and media studies, to explore the nuanced ways these interactions influence socio-cultural dynamics and present new challenges and opportunities.

Accordingly, we invite scholars and practitioners from all related disciplines to contribute original and unpublished papers exploring the multifaceted aspects of Spatial Computing experiences and their implications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

    Investigating the evolving perceptions of Spatial Computing concerning user experiences and emerging technologies.
    Examining emerging forms of interaction enabled by Spatial Computing, such as audio, haptic feedback, and gesture-based interfaces, and their implications for user interaction and engagement.
    Assessing the socio-economic, environmental, and cultural aspects addressed by Spatial Computing technologies.
    Discussing ethical and accessibility considerations for designers and users of Spatial Computing applications.

We welcome contributions that delve into the human-centered aspects of spatial computing, aiming to shed light on the evolving relationship between technology and user experiences while addressing socio-cultural, accessibility, and ethical implications and potential challenges.