COCOA Research Lab
The COCOA (CO-designing COllaborations with AI) Lab explores how humans and AI can collaborate effectively, designing intelligent interactive systems that enhance human productivity and empower diverse users. We combine Human-Computer Interaction, AI, and accessibility research to create collaborative tools and adaptive interfaces that support real-world tasks and emerging virtual experiences.
We are part of the Graphics and Media at York (GaMaY) Hub.
Latest News
Our lab has two new publications this semester:
Evaluating Usability Challenges in VR Games for Older Adults: A Comparison With and Without AI Assistance
In Adjunct Proceedings of the 38th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology. Key highlights:
- Older adults encountered several usability problems in VR, including unclear instructions and goals, confusing game mechanics, and difficult-to-navigate menus.
- AI-generated suggestions helped UX evaluators to identify a greater number of usability problems.
LLM-powered assistant with electrotactile feedback to assist blind and low vision people with maps and routes preview
In the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies. Key highlights:
- An LLM-powered assistant that supports natural language queries about map elements, route conditions, and trajectories.
- A wearable electrotactile feedback device that conveys map features via haptic signals.
- A user study with blind and low vision participants demonstrating improved efficiency and spatial understanding of route previews.
Latest Publications
(2025).
LLM-powered assistant with electrotactile feedback to assist blind and low vision people with maps and routes preview.
IJHCS.
(2025).
Evaluating Usability Challenges in VR Games for Older Adults: A Comparison With and Without AI Assistance.
UIST Posters.