Interaction

Digital media and services challenge the way we communicate, learn, cooperate and interact with technologies. In this context, simple and intuitive interaction is paramount to the integration and meaningful use of digital media in our work and daily lives. One example of this is multi-touch user interfaces, which allow us to carry out many of our day to day digital interactions with ease and intuitive efficiency. At the core design of such innovative interfaces is an applied understanding of how human beings comprehend their material and social environment. In order to develop new paradigms for interaction, research into human behavior within the relevant social context must be realized within these new concepts. To this end, scientists are using practical application scenarios to incorporate all the senses towards the development of new forms of interaction with digital media; taking us far beyond the classic mouse and keyboard, and making it possible for multiple users to work together with various forms of multimedia content. Artificial intelligence methods such as content-based search; analysis and synthesis of digital images and videos are used to simplify and support these types of interactions.

Within the heart of this concerted activity are contemporary methods of working and learning in a culture heavily characterized by digital media.

Researchers leverage new emerging forms of autonomous knowledge management and context-sensitive knowledge modelling, incorporate e-learning, access information and communication technologies (ICT) for children, adolescents and adults. The main goal is to enable people from all social strata to improve and develop their media skills as much as possible for their personal fulfillment and professional development. In this context, interaction and education are two sides of the same coin. The TZI is championing innovative education concepts in cooperation with schools, business and politics in the Bremen-Oldenburg metropolitan region. The TZI focuses on providing greater support towards the development of new IT practices and media skills as key qualifications.