The project “Hybrid Sustainable Worlds” focuses on the implementation of hybrid systems in which the physical and virtual worlds intersect, aiming to provide new opportunities for coexistence and social interaction. The project places great emphasis on sustainability and innovation, addressing post-Covid-19 challenges with creative and practical solutions in the fields of production, tourism, and commerce.

HTLab primarily dealt with the commerce sector. Trade fairs, expos, and commercial activities were severely affected by restrictions and lockdowns imposed to limit the Covid-19 emergency. The goal was, therefore, to enable commercial and trade activities to continue, regardless of physical restrictions, opening new market opportunities and promoting growth. This endeavor aimed to assist businesses in facing new challenges and restrictions while offering consumers the best possible solutions for their purchases.

The key element in achieving this objective was the utilization of Extended Reality technologies (XR), such as 3D web and Augmented Reality, to reinvent the promotion and sales system of products, making it more innovative, sustainable, and resilient. Through close collaboration with companies like THRON, Corvallis, and MyWood, the team dedicated itself to research, design, and development of interactive solutions, such as commercial showcases and shared virtual spaces for purchases and sales.

HTLab paid particular attention to the accessibility and usability of the prototypes, ensuring that these environments were user-friendly for everyone, including older users. Throughout the process, a human-centric design approach played a crucial role in providing a satisfying and engaging user experience when utilizing these hybrid systems.

References:

Orso, V., Monaro, M., Pierobon, L., Olivas, Martinez G., Porto, L., Campanini ML, Portello, G., Bettelli, A., & Gamberini, L. (2023). Novel technologies to enhance resiliency: the Hybrid and Sustainable Worlds Project. In 21st Eawop 2023 Congress, Oral Presentation OP668; pag. 755.

Orso, V., Campanini, M.L., Pierobon, L., Portello, G., Monaro, M., Bettelli, A., & Gamberini, L. (2023). Exploiting 3DWeb to enhance online shopping: toward an update of usability heuristics. In International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction HCII 2023 (in press). 

Orso, V., Portello, G., Pierobon, L., Bettelli, A., Monaro, M., & Gamberini, L. (2022). RETHINKING THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE: A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATIVE STUDY ON 3D WEB AND AR FOR DISPLAYING AND SELLING GOODS. In 16th International Conference on Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction, IHCI 2022, and 15th International Conference on Game and Entertainment Technologies 2022, GET 2022-Held at the 16th Multi Conference on Computer Science and Information Systems, MCCSIS 2022 (pp. 142-148). IADIS Press.

Zatta, E., Condotta, M., Tatano, V., Bettelli, A., Zanella, E., La Magna, N., & Gamberini, L. (2022). Improving the Effectiveness of Anti-COVID Measures in Buildings: Learning from Users’ Perception. Buildings, 12(8), 1161.