St Andrews HCI Research Group

Welcome to the website for SACHI which aims to act a focal point for human computer interaction research across the University of St Andrews and beyond.

SACHI is the St Andrews Computer Human Interaction research group (a HCI Group) based in the School of Computer Science. Members of SACHI co-supervise research students, collaborate on various projects and activities, share access to research equipment and our HCI prototyping workshop. Established in 2011, we now have a regular seminar series, social activities, summer schools and organise workshops and conferences together. Along with the above links, you can find more news about us here.
SACHI members at our away day at St Andrews Botanic Gardens.

News and Events

Seminar: Bridging Minds and Machines: Redefining Computing Education 26th March 2025


Abstract:

Since 2009, Dr Zarb has been exploring the evolving landscape of pedagogical research, collecting ideas from across disciplines and trends. In this acronym-filled talk, he offers a guided tour through some of the latest research at RGU — from grappling with the ethical dilemmas posed by conversational AI in education, to exploring “shadow podcasts” as informal learning tools. We will look at practical challenges, unexpected questions and at how rapidly shifting technology continues to shape how (and why) we teach and learn.

Bio:

Dr Mark Zarb is an Associate Professor based within the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology at RGU

His main research focus is within computing education, having led international working groups on transitions into higher education in 2018 and post-pandemic educational landscapes in 2021 and 2022.

He received his PhD (2014, University of Dundee) for work exploring the role of verbal communication styles in pair programming. His various roles and experiences allow him a wide and international perspective on computing education.

More about Dr Mark Zarb

Event details:

  • When: 26th March 2025 13:00-14:00
  • Where: Jack Cole 1.33A

Seminar: Performative Artefacts – From Interactions in Space to Situated in Place 26th Feb 2025


Abstract:

Tom will share some of his past work in interaction and experience design with objects, installations and space and why it has led to his current research into place, tangibles and design.

Bio:

Tom Metcalfe is an interdisciplinary designer and researcher whose work begins with social purpose, and evolves through the creation of meticulously considered forms, intuitive yet surprising interaction design, and an open, conversational quality which invites human and more-than-human connection. He works across multiple mediums and materials creating Performative Artefacts which often utilise technology in subtle ways to enhance the texture, capacity and magical animism of object-based interaction. Metcalfe’s practice is situated in Dundee and Fife, Scotland. He founded his own studio in 2014. His current major work is an exploration into the connections and opportunities in place, design and human-computer interaction – particularly tangibles and connected objects. Place is the foundation of regenerative design, and our understanding of place identity, attachment and affordances will play a crucial role in creating a more ethical, equitable and sustainable future.

More about Tom Metcalfe

Event details:

  • When: 26th Feb 2025 13:00-14:00
  • Where: Jack Cole 1.33A

Seminar: Democratising the Design and Development of Emerging Technologies 17th March 2025


Abstract:

My research focuses on democratising the development of emerging technologies. More specifically, by establishing accessible approaches for designing and building emerging technologies such as robotics, wearables, and shape-changing interfaces. To advance the field, my research focuses not only on understanding these technologies (e.g., their design), but also how to build them (e.g., engineer them), and how to innovate with them (e.g., application). In this talk, I will go into detail about some of the projects I have worked on around this topic across the fields of HCI, Design, and Engineering.

Bio:

Dr. Aluna Everitt is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Prior to moving to Christchurch (NZ), she was a Research Associate in the Cyber-Physical Systems group at the University of Oxford and a Junior Research Fellow at Kellogg College, University of Oxford. She was also a Senior Visiting Researcher and postdoc at the University of Bristol (BIG Lab). Dr. Everitt was awarded her PhD in Computer Science from Lancaster University, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). As a multi-disciplinary researcher, her areas of interest and expertise lie across the fields of HCI, Design, and Engineering. She has a particular interest in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research which combines a mix of engineering fabrication approaches for iterative prototyping, together with collaborative design (co-design) to encourage users and experts from different domains to develop content and applications for the next generation of interactive hardware systems and interfaces (e.g., shape-changing displays, wearables, and robotics).

More about Dr. Aluna Everitt

Event details:

  • When: 17th March 2025 12:00-13:00
  • Where: Jack Cole 1.33B


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