The Media Interaction Lab

The Media Interaction Lab (MiL), originally established at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, is now part of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano and operates from NOI Techpark. Since 2004, the lab has been conducting research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Physical Computing, and Ubiquitous Computing, with a specific emphasis on designing, implementing, and evaluating next-generation user interfaces. Our research methodology combines theory, design, and evaluation, addressing real-world problems posed by industry partners such as BMW, KTM, SEFAR, and Tratter, and actively involving these users in a user-centered design process.

Having extensively researched mixed reality and tabletop interaction, the lab has evolved to focus on large interactive surfaces, creative environments, next-generation interfaces, and smart textiles. In recent years, we have expanded our research to include hardware-related domains like sensing technologies and hardware design. This shift is evident in our recent projects with automotive companies, where our primary goal is to develop and investigate next-generation vehicle interfaces.

Current Projects

SmartCover (2024 – 2026)

In SmartCover, the goal is the design and development of smart laminated dashboards, with the simultaneous reduction of plastic components and haptic plastic buttons and controls. 

iPlayground (2024 – 2026)

In iPlayground, we will set up a smart textile lab with a strong focus on the design and development of smart textile interfaces based on warp knitting.

eMotion (2021 – 2024)

For an e-scooter demonstrator, developed by KTM, we design and implement a new HMI concept as well as a new dashboard. The aim of eMotion is to improve driver experience, usability, and driving range through the use of intelligent on-board information systems.