Clara Mancini

Research Fellow

User-Computer Interaction Design

I am a researcher in Human/Animal-Computer Interaction and Pervasive Computing, at the Computing Department of The Open University.

With a focus on design and evaluation, my research investigates how computing technology can afford, mediate and shape new models of communication and interaction, supporting novel forms of connectedness, learning and cooperation. From this perspective, I am interested in both human and nonhuman animal-computer interaction, with a view to expanding the boundaries of interaction design.

One aspect of my work is concerned with exploring how digital media can convey meaning, by transforming signs, structures and patterns that underpin communication and interaction in naturalistic contexts or other media, or by producing signs, structures and patterns that are uniquely afforded by specific digital technologies.

Another aspect of my work is concerned with investigating what technologically mediated communication and interaction can reveal about us (and other species) as biological, social and moral beings which could not be previously observed, and how technology can support our (and other species') biological, social and moral lives while constantly challenging the boundaries and values on which these are founded.

My work is also concerned with devising and experimenting with new research methods for probing the complex and dynamic interconnections between technology, individuals and (multispecies) social groups.