Human-Computer Interactions & Extended Reality
Beatrice Aruanno’s research focuses on the development of innovative Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) solutions aimed at enhancing user experiences in rehabilitation and education. By integrating extended reality (XR) technologies—including augmented, mixed, and virtual reality—with personalized devices and interfaces, she designs intuitive and engaging systems that support motor and cognitive recovery, as well as interactive learning.
Virtual reality (VR) enables the creation of controlled, immersive environments where patients can engage in therapeutic activities that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Mixed reality (MR), by blending virtual elements with the physical world, offers new forms of support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In the field of education, XR technologies are employed to develop interactive museum experiences and virtual laboratories for materials science and engineering, fostering active, hands-on learning.
Her work also includes usability evaluation and the design of adaptive systems capable of responding to users’ individual needs. This research combines UX design, motion tracking, biometric data acquisition, and real-time feedback systems, enabling the development of personalized and scalable XR applications.
International Research Projects
The H2020 PRIME-VR2 project is a European Union-funded initiative aimed at developing a virtual reality rehabilitation platform. It focuses on helping individuals with physical disabilities recover and improve their motor skills through personalized, immersive VR environments. The platform integrates advanced technologies like motion tracking, additive manufacturing, AI, and serious gaming to create tailored rehabilitation programs that can be adapted to each patient’s needs, enabling them to engage in therapeutic exercises in a more engaging and motivating way. It involves collaboration among 14 partners, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and technology developers.