Modelling for Abilities: Integration and Impact of Ability-Focused Design in Human-Computer-Interaction

• Applicant: Professorin Dr.-Ing. Nicole Jochems
• Subject Area: Human Factors, Ergonomics, Human-Machine Systems
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 574960553

The proposed research project investigates how abilities can be modeled as central requirements for the design of human-technology interfaces and how such models can be integrated into current design processes. The aim is to support a design practice that focuses not on user deficits but on their abilities while also examining how such an ability focus impacts designers' mindsets, processes, and resulting design solutions. The project thereby takes up the idea of designing for the abilities of users, as established in international research discourse through the approach of Ability-Based Design (coined by Wobbrock et al.). Building on our own prior work, the project starts with the design of a visual ability model that structures and represents abilities, influencing factors, as well as usage contexts in a way that allows such models to serve as a reference for designers' decision-making. Based on this visual model, we will develop an interactive system that enables the creation and iterative adaptation of such ability models, allowing the latter to be embedded in real-world design processes. Using this system, the project will investigate the impact of ability models on mindsets, processes, and design outcomes. For this, a series of sequential design workshops will be conducted with designers from academia and industry as well as HCI students. These workshops will focus on solving realistic design challenges using the developed ability models. Overall, the project combines design-oriented research with qualitative methods, quantitative measures, and empirical impact analysis in a mixed-methods approach. It contributes to the methodological advancement of human-centered design by developing an empirically grounded method for ability-focused design and examining its impact in applied contexts. The results will be translated into practical design guidelines and in the long term support the evidence-based development of inclusive digital systems.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants