Lab Activity

Loyola University Chicago UX & Biometrics Lab Announces 2026 Lab Fellows

The UX & Biometrics Lab at Loyola University Chicago is pleased to announce its 2026 Lab Fellows, an accomplished cohort of Information Systems & Analytics students and early-career researchers from the Quinlan School of Business. Following a process that reviewed 18 research proposals, the 2026 Fellows have been organized into five teams. Each team will pursue an original, NeuroIS-focused human-subject research project, exploring emerging questions at the intersection of user experience, neuroscience-informed information systems, and biometric analytics. These projects will be developed and conducted through the UX & Biometrics Research course, an intensive, research-driven experience designed to integrate coursework directly with the lab’s ongoing mission and methods. This year’s cohort represents the next generation of researchers advancing the frontiers of NeuroIS and applied biometric research. Over the coming year, we look forward to the ideas, insights, and innovations that will emerge from their work. Congratulations to all of our 2026 Lab Fellows; we’re excited to see what you discover. 1/27/2026 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Lab's Conference Paper Named Among iMotions’ Top 5 Publications of 2025!

“Short-Form Videos: An Exploratory Study on the Impact of Subtitles and ASMR Split-Screen Format Options Using Eyegaze and Facial Expression Data”, authored by 2024 Lab Fellows Nate Pascale, Omar Tinawi, João Vítor Moraes Barreto, Adnan Aldaas, and Dr. Dinko Bačić, has been named one of the Top 5 Publications of 2025 by iMotions. Each year, researchers across disciplines use the iMotions platform to study how people think, feel, and behave, with 2025 producing an especially strong set of publications spanning neuroscience, marketing, human–computer interaction, and healthcare. Our paper was selected as one of these standout contributions, reflecting key trends in contemporary behavioral research such as multimodal measurement, emotionally intelligent technologies, digital media consumption, and the growing role of AI. Using eye tracking and facial expression analysis, the study shows that subtitles and split-screen formats significantly alter visual attention patterns, while ASMR-enhanced split screens increase positive emotional engagement. Importantly, while these emotional gains do not improve recall, they also do not degrade recall, highlighting the nuanced relationship between attention, emotion, and memory in short-form media. 1/13/2026 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): Top 5 Publications of 2025

UX & Biometrics Lab Director Dr. Dinko Bačić Appointed to AIS THCI Editorial Board

The UX & Biometrics Lab is pleased to share that its Director, Dr. Dinko Bačić, has accepted an invitation to join the Editorial Board of AIS Transactions on Human–Computer Interaction (AIS THCI) as an Associate Editor, starting in 2026. AIS Transactions on Human–Computer Interaction is an A-ranked journal on the ABDC list and a premier outlet for Human–Computer Interaction and Information Systems research. The journal is published by the Association for Information Systems (AIS), a leading professional association supporting research, teaching, practice, and the study of information systems worldwide. Dr. Bačić will join an outstanding group of scholars currently serving on the editorial board: https://aisel.aisnet.org/thci/editorialboard.html 12/17/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): AIS THCI Editorial Board

Lorena Saba Joins the UX & Biometrics Lab as Research Assistant

We are thrilled to welcome Lorena Saba as our new Research Assistant. As a double major in Computer Engineering and Finance, Lorena brings a rare combination of technical expertise, analytical rigor, creativity, and the drive necessary to succeed in this role. At the UX & Biometrics Lab | Loyola University Chicago, in addition to supporting lab-based data collection, Lorena will lead the effort to develop an AI-driven coaching system that translates biometric signals into personalized feedback to help individuals become more effective communicators. 👏 Lorena, welcome to the team! 8/29/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): Lorena Saba

Top 25% Paper Award at AMCIS 2025 for UX & Biometrics Lab Fellows

Congratulations to our 2025 UX & Biometrics Lab Fellows and young researchers—Lauren Devine, Stella Burns, Grace Jakobs, and Caroline Makara—on receiving the Top 25% ERF Paper Award at AMCIS – The Americas Conference on Information Systems 2025! Their research, titled “Sh*t You Won’t Forget: The Link Between Profanity, Recall, Visual Attention and Emotions in Video Lectures,” explores how different levels of profanity in educational videos affect viewer recall, attention, and emotional engagement. Grounded in psychological and cognitive theories, the team designed a biometric study using eye-tracking, facial expression analysis, and GSR sensors. A fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition! There’s nothing quite like a bold and timely research question—and this team absolutely delivered. 7/30/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): AMCIS 2025 AWARDS

The Third Conference on HCI at MIPRO 2025

We are thrilled to share the video highlights from the Third Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Conference at MIPRO 2025. Held in beautiful Opatija, Croatia, this year’s Conference on HCI brought together a vibrant and truly global community. The UX & Biometrics lab had a strong presence with four manuscripts accepted. This year, we had: ✅ 24 peer-reviewed papers accepted 🧠 62 unique authors 🏛️ 26 academic institutions and organizations 🌍 8 countries represented (Japan, USA, Switzerland, Finland, Italy, France, Germany, Croatia) 🌐 Spanning 3 continents (Europe, North America, Asia) 🗣️ MIPRO Keynote Speaker: Nobel laureate Ferenc Krausz Thank you to all the authors, reviewers, attendees, and our phenomenal steering committee members for making this conference such a success. Your contributions are helping build a stronger, more connected international research community in HCI. We look forward to welcoming many of you again next year, at the same place, and to even more ideas. More to come soon! 🪪 Conference Chairs Joe Valacich (United States), Dinko Bačić (Bacic) Bačić (United States), Dragan Cisic (Cyprus), Dario Ogrizović (Croatia), 🧭 Steering Committee Laura Brandimarte (United States), Constantinos Coursaris (Canada), John D’Arcy (United States), Soussan Djamasbi (United States), Dennis Galletta (United States), Nenad Jukic (United States), Bart Knijnenburg (United States), Nicholas Roberts (United States), Christian Maier (Germany), Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah (Singapore), Saonee Sarker (United States), Christoph Schneider (Spain->United States), Ali Sunyaev (Germany), Chee-Wee Tan (Denmark), Jason Thatcher (United States), Markus Weinmann (Germany), Manuel Wiesche (Germany) 🧪 Program Committee Dinko Bačić (Bacic) Bačić (United States), Dragan Cisic 龙氣石氣 Cisic (Croatia), Jeff Jenkins (United States), Božidar Kovačić (Croatia), Dario Ogrizović (Croatia), Joe Valacich (United States), David Wilson (United States) Event Details: MIPRO 2024 - Opatija

Relevant Link(s): MIPRO 2025

Quinlan Students Go Global: UX & Biometrics Lab Shines at MIPRO 2025 Conference on HCI

Three 2024 UX & Biometrics Lab Fellows—Anne Price, Kaitlin Walker, and Ryan Love—joined Dr. Dinko Bačić in attending the Conference on Human-Computer Interaction at MIPRO 2025 (Opatija, Croatia). Their participation marked a major milestone for the Lab, as it was the first time undergraduate Lab Fellows presented at an international conference abroad. All three delivered high-caliber paper presentations to a global audience, showcasing the strength and professionalism of undergraduate-led research. Anne and Ryan presented the co-authored paper titled “The Effects of Information Load and Brand Familiarity on Visual Attention Strategies and Smartphone Product Preferences.” Kaitlin (co-authored with Ayla Lezic) presented “Unveiling the Impact of Subtitles: Insights into Recall and Viewer Visual Engagement on Streaming Video Content.” The HCI session was well attended, with numerous audience members commending the rigor, focus, and professionalism of the former Quinlan undergraduates. Dr. Bačić also presented two additional research collaborations with seven other 2024 Lab Fellows: •With Anna Skinner, Genevieve Kallmeyer, and Paige Gutierrez: “Gendered Endorsers’ Impact on Consumers’ Subconscious Visual Attention Using Eye-Tracking.” •With Nate Pascale, Omar Tinawi, João Vítor Moraes Barreto, and Adnan Aldaas: “Short-Form Videos: An Exploratory Study on the Impact of Subtitles and ASMR Split-Screen Format Options Using Eyegaze and Facial Expression Data.” The feedback across all sessions was overwhelmingly positive. Congratulations to the 2024 UX & Biometrics Lab Fellows on their outstanding work! Event Details: 6/5/2025 - Conference on HCI, MIPRO 2025 - Opatija, Croatia

Relevant Link(s): Conference on HCI (Mipro 2025)

UX & Biometrics Lab Featured at NeuroIS Retreat 2025 in Vienna

The UX & Biometrics Lab at Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business was proudly represented at the NeuroIS Retreat 2025, held in Vienna, Austria (May 26–28). The retreat brought together a vibrant international community of scholars and practitioners at the forefront of research exploring the intersection of neuroscience, information systems, technology, and decision-making. Dr. Dinko Bačić, Associate Professor and Principal Researcher at the Lab, joined leading figures in the field such as Fred Davis, René Riedl, and Pierre-Majorique Léger, as well as a rising generation of early- and mid-career researchers. The event served as a powerful reminder of the relevance and potential impact of NeuroIS and biometric research and offered a dynamic platform for generating new ideas and collaborations. Lab Recognition A key highlight of the retreat was the publication of a UX & Biometrics Lab research project in the NeuroIS Society Magazine, recognizing the lab’s innovative contributions to the field. The Lab looks forward to continuing its mission of advancing human-centered research in decision science and information systems, and contributing to the evolving landscape of NeuroIS. Event Details: 5/26- 5/28/2025 - NeuroIS Retreat 2025 - Vienna, Austria

Relevant Link(s): NeuroIS Retreat 2025

NeuroIS Society Magazine - Predicting Video Virality and Viewer Engagement using Biometrics and Machine Learning

The new issue of the NeuroIS Society Magazine, 2025, Issue 1, features work by Dinko Bačić and Curt Gilstrap (University of Southern Indiana) on predicting video virality using facial expression analysis and galvanic skin response (GSR). Researchers trained machine learning models to predict whether a viewer would engage with a video, based not on what they said, but on what their face and physiology revealed. The study showed that by combining GSR peaks, emotional expressions (like smiles or joy), and behavioral context, we could reach over 80% predictive accuracy. It’s a promising step toward using biometric signals to tap into the unconscious mechanisms behind content sharing and virality. Event Details: 5/23/2025 - NeuroIS Society - Vienna, Austria

Relevant Link(s): NeuroIS Society Magazine

Abstract Accepted to NeuroBusiness 2025!

VISUAL DESIGN CHOICES AND CLIMATE DATA

We’re proud to announce that an abstract authored by our UX & Biometrics Lab team has been accepted to the NeuroBusiness Conference 2025, to be held Sep 18–19 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Authors: Kathryn Glasgow, Dinko Bačić, Nabeha Sajid, Shaquan Coombs, Bačić This study examines how design elements of data visualizations affect attention and urgency toward climate change. Specifically, we focused on climate crisis data visualizations, adjusting the position of key takeaways and manipulating images to amplify the message. Our experimental conditions enabled us to show how viewers interpreted the climate data visualizations and how viewers engaged with the visualizations. In our study, we utilized eye-tracking technology to gain insights into how participants process information while observing the impact on viewer attitudes via surveys. The outcomes help us recommend the best ways to present climate change visualizations to capture viewers' attention. The project was developed through our UX & Biometrics course and reflects the lab’s core mission: combining biometric technology with applied research. Stay tuned for presentation details and follow our journey to Dubrovnik! Event Details: 5/27/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): NeuroBusiness Conference

Abstract Accepted to NeuroBusiness 2025!

NOTIFICATION DYNAMICS

We’re proud to announce that an abstract authored by our UX & Biometrics Lab team has been accepted to the NeuroBusiness Conference 2025, to be held Sep 18–19 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Authors: Ryan Hensley, Jake Wilcox, Patryk Suszko, Sebastian Mesones, Dinko Bačić In this project, we investigate the cognitive and emotional impacts of digital notifications on task performance, visual attention, and physiological arousal in high-pressure work environments. Grounded in Multiple Resource Theory and interruption research, we examine how different notification modalities (visual, auditory, combined) and contextual factors such as urgency and placement affect task efficiency, memory recall, and cognitive load. Using eye-tracking technology, we assess fixation duration, gaze patterns, and attention shifts, while Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) measures physiological arousal in response to distractions. By integrating self-reported and biometric data, this research offers insights into designing less disruptive notification systems, balancing workplace efficiency and well-being, and optimizing digital work environments for enhanced focus and productivity. The project was developed through our UX & Biometrics course and reflects the lab’s core mission: combining biometric technology with applied research. Stay tuned for presentation details and follow our journey to Dubrovnik! Event Details: 5/27/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): NeuroBusiness Conference

ERF Paper Accepted to AMCIS 2025!

SH*T YOU WON'T FORGET

We’re proud to announce that a paper authored by our 2025 UX & Biometrics Lab Fellows has been accepted to the Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS) 2025, to be held August 14–16 in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Authors: Lauren Devine, Stella Burns, Grace Jakobs, Caroline Makara, and Dinko Bačić This study explores the educational impact of using profanity in video lectures. Grounded in Expectancy Violation Theory and Dual Coding Theory, the research investigates whether strategic use of strong language can enhance recall, increase visual attention, and heighten emotional engagement. Using eye-tracking, GSR, and facial expression analysis, the study brings empirical evidence to a provocative question in modern pedagogy. The project was developed through our UX & Biometrics course and reflects the lab’s core mission: combining biometric technology with applied research. Stay tuned for presentation details and follow our journey to Montréal! Event Details: 5/6/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): AMCIS 2025 Proceedings

ERF Paper Accepted to AMCIS 2025!

MODERATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE

We’re proud to announce that a paper authored by our 2025 UX & Biometrics Lab Fellows has been accepted to the Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS) 2025, to be held August 14–16 in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Authors: Miranda Duffy, Farheen Saiyed, Haley Salas, Angelika Tokarczyk, and Dinko Bačić This study examines the impact of various online moderation strategies—platform-moderated warnings, community-moderated warnings, and no moderation—on trust and engagement when users encounter misinformation. Using biometric tools such as eye-tracking, galvanic skin response (GSR), and facial expression analysis, the research uncovers how these interventions shape users’ emotional and attentional responses, as well as their behavioral intentions (liking, commenting, and sharing). The project was developed through our UX & Biometrics course and reflects the lab’s core mission: combining biometric technology with applied research. Stay tuned for presentation details and follow our journey to Montréal! Event Details: 5/6/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): AMCIS 2025 Proceedings

Students Present Seven Posters at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium

This year, UX & Biometrics course and Lab supported seven posters/presentations at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium Research Team 1: Navigating Trust and Engagement: The Impact of Misinformation Moderation Strategies on User Perception and Biometric Responses Presented By: Miranda Duffy; Angelika Tokarczyk; Farheen Saiyed; Haley Salas Supported By: Dinko Bačić Research Team 2: Notification Dynamics: An Investigation into Eye Tracking and Galvanic Skin Response to Examine Contextual Influences on User Engagement and Memory Recall Presented By: Sebastian Mesones; Ryan Hensley; Jake Wilcox; Patryk Suszko Supported By: Dinko Bačić Research Team 3: Sh*t You Won't Forget: The Link Between Profanity, Recall, Visual Attention and Emotions in Video Lectures Presented By: Stella Burns; Lauren Devine; Grace Jakobs; Caroline Makara Supported By: Dinko Bačić Research Team 4: Visual and Physiological Insights into Human Deep Fake Detection: An Eye-Tracking and GSR Study Presented By: Ashton Handorf; Clay Strader; Miguel Picazo Marin Supported By: Dinko Bačić Research Team 5: Investigating Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Responses to Horror Movie Trailers & Teasers Using Biometrics & Data Presented By: Anel Zukanovic; Damian Acosta; Shiv Patel Supported By: Dinko Bačić Research Team 6: The Highest Stakes Data Visualizations: Climate Change Data Presented By: Nabeha Sajid; Shaquan Coombs; Kathryn Glasgow Supported By: Dinko Bačić Independent Researcher: Cognitive Fit Theory: A Structured Literature Review Presented By: Genevieve Kallmeyer Supported By: Nenad Jukić, Bačić Event Details: April 5, 2025 – Undergraduate Research Symposium– Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): Spring 2025 Student Research

Paper Accepted to the Conference on HCI, MIPRO 2025 - Impact of Subtitles and ASMR Split-screen Format Options in Short-form Videos

We're thrilled to announce that another outstanding research paper emerging from the UX & Biometrics course and lab has been officially accepted for publication! This paper will be presented in beautiful Opatija, Croatia, this June at the 3rd HCI conference (part of MIPRO 2025, IEEE). Title: Short-Form Videos: An Exploratory Study on the Impact of Subtitles and ASMR Split-screen Format Options Using Eye Gaze and Facial Expression Data Authors: Nate Pascale, Omar Tinawi, João Vítor Moraes Barreto, Adnan Aldaas, Dinko Bačić In this biometric study, researchers explored how popular video features—subtitles and ASMR split-screen formats—influence visual attention, emotional engagement, and recall while watching short-form videos (think TikToks and Reels). Using eye-tracking and facial expression analysis, they found: 🔹 Subtitles increased fixation counts and shortened fixation durations - suggesting the relationship between 'reading' visual strategy and cognitive effort. 🔹 Split-screen ASMR videos led to greater emotional engagement and positive affect, but when subtitles were added alongside the ASMR screen, engagement effects diminished—hinting at possible sensory overload. 🔹 Despite differences in attention and emotion, information recall did not significantly vary across conditions. 4/12/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): Mipro.hr

Paper Accepted to the Conference on HCI, MIPRO 2025 - The Effects of Information Load and Brand Familiarity on Visual Attention Strategies and Smartphone Product Preferences

We're thrilled to announce that another outstanding research paper emerging from the UX & Biometrics course and lab has been officially accepted for publication! This paper will be presented in beautiful Opatija, Croatia, this June at the 3rd HCI conference (part of MIPRO 2025, IEEE). Title: The Effects of Information Load and Brand Familiarity on Visual Attention Strategies and Smartphone Product Preferences Authors: Ryan Love, Anne Price, Dinko Bačić This eye-tracking study, led by our talented undergraduate researchers, explored how information complexity and brand familiarity impact consumer decisions, especially under cognitive strain. Participants evaluated smartphone options (iPhone vs. Huawei) under high vs. low information load, revealing how visual attention shifts and preferences are shaped when decision-making becomes overwhelming. 🧠 Key findings: 🔹 Lower information load increased productive visual strategies—participants made more vertical and horizontal saccades, suggesting better attention and evaluation. 🔹 Under high information load, participants were more likely to rely on familiar brands (Apple), while preference for unfamiliar brands (Huawei) rose when cognitive strain was reduced. 🔹 Results reinforce Bounded Rationality—cognitive effort matters, and simplifying product information can level the playing field for lesser-known brands. 3/11/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

HCI Mipro Paper pics - Info Overload.png

Relevant Link(s): Mipro.hr

Paper Accepted to the Conference on HCI, MIPRO 2025 - Gendered Endorsers’ Impact on Consumers’ Subconscious Visual Attention Using Eye-Tracking

HCI Mipro Paper pics - Gendered Marketing.png

Relevant Link(s): Mipro.hr

Paper Accepted to the Conference on HCI, MIPRO 2025 - Unveiling the Impact of Subtitles: Insights into Recall and Viewer Visual Engagement on Streaming Video Content =

We're thrilled to announce that another outstanding research paper emerging from the UX & Biometrics course and lab has been officially accepted for publication! This paper will be presented in beautiful Opatija, Croatia, this June at the 3rd HCI conference (part of MIPRO 2025, IEEE). Title: Unveiling the Impact of Subtitles: Insights into Recall and Viewer Visual Engagement on Streaming Video Content Authors: Kaitlin Walker, Ayla Lezic, Dinko Bačić This study used eye-tracking to uncover how gendered product endorsers influence subconscious visual attention. Findings suggest that: 🔹 Women exhibit a stronger preference for same-gender endorsers, with higher fixation counts, dwell time and faster recognition time (time to first fixation). 🔹 Men, on the other hand, initially notice opposite-gender endorsers first before shifting attention toward same-gender endorsers. 🔹 These results highlight the complexity of subconscious attention in gendered marketing—and why brands should reconsider how they design their campaigns! Conference proceedings will be published by IEEE. This was a cool experiment where participants watched the popular Netflix series The Crown while their eye movements were tracked to understand how subtitles influence content recall and subconscious visual engagement. Findings reveal: 🔹 Subtitles significantly enhance comprehension-based recall (memory of spoken elements) by reinforcing spoken content through both text and visuals. 🔹 Perception-based recall (memory of visual scene elements) remains unaffected, suggesting subtitles don’t distract from overall scene recall. 🔹 Subtitles impact visual attention distribution, guiding where viewers focus their gaze while watching. In short - it probably makes sense to watch this type of streaming content with subtitles. 3/2/2025 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): Mipro.hr

Call for Papers - 3rd HCI Conference - MIPRO 2025

A reminder to anyone in the Human-Computer Interaction space that abstract submissions (200 words) for our HCI Conference in Opatija, Croatia, are due Dec. 16th. More details here: Event information (mipro.hr) Important dates: - Abstract submission deadline: Monday, December 16, 2024 - Full paper submission deadline: Monday, February 3, 2025 (6 pages) - Final paper review deadline: Friday, March 21, 2025 - Actual Conference: Jun 2 – June 6, 2025 Please consider submitting your work. The second HCI Conference in Opatija, Croatia, was incredibly successful. We had 18 papers presented with standing room only throughout the sessions (proceedings published in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library: IEEE Xplore—Conference). We expect much more in 2025 as we have attracted broad participation on our steering and program committees, which now include members from seven countries (i.e., USA, Canada, Croatia, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Spain, and Denmark) and three continents. Event Details: 10/19/2024 - UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): Event information (mipro.hr)

UX & Biometrics Website Lauch

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the UX & Biometrics Lab website (https://lnkd.in/g3q2u8R8)! A special shoutout to Genevieve (Evey) Kallmeyer for her exceptional work creating the website – your creativity, hard work, and technical skills have brought our vision to life! We also extend heartfelt thanks to all the students (past research and lab assistants) who have supported and contributed to this project since I joined Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University Chicago. Your hard work and passion have been instrumental in making this lab a reality. Leah Silo, Ines Gonzalez Di Martino, Ariana Krbanjević, Natalie Tse, Christian Kephart, Bennington Whalen, Cecilia Miskowski, CAPM, and Conrad Dick - read about this exceptional group here: https://lnkd.in/gG9rrHUg. Read about how the lab supports young researchers: https://lnkd.in/g_MS-CAb Read about our publications: https://lnkd.in/gByWX6kY Read about the lab's technologies: https://lnkd.in/gvetv8kw Explore our new website and learn more about our innovative work in UX and biometrics. We are just getting started! Event Details: UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL - 8/2024

Relevant Link(s): UX & Biometrics Lab

The Second Conference on HCI at MIPRO 2024

The Second Conference on HCI in Opatija (Croatia) at MIPRO 2024 was a huge success. This year, 18 papers were accepted and presented, covering a variety of relevant topics (https://lnkd.in/duT79T-P). Thank you to all who helped by submitting, reviewing, and supporting this young and vibrant HCI conference. Consider sharing this post with your HCI contacts and adding our conference in 2025 to your list of HCI conferences! Conference Chairs: Joe Valacich (United States), Dinko Bačić (Bacic) (United States), Dragan Cisic (Croatia), Dario Ogrizović (Croatia) Steering Committee: Laura Brandimarte (United States), Constantinos Coursaris (Canada), John D’Arcy (United States), Soussan Djamasbi (United States), Dennis Galletta (United States), Nenad Jukic (United States), Bart Knijnenburg (United States), Nicholas Roberts (United States), Christian Maier (Germany), Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah (Hong Kong SAR), Saonee Sarker (United States), Christoph Schneider (Spain), Ali Sunyaev (Germany), Chee-Wee Tan (Denmark), Jason Thatcher (United States), Markus Weinmann (Germany), Manuel Wiesche (Germany) Program Committee: Dinko Bačić (Bacic) Bačić (United States), Dragan Cisic 龙氣石氣龙氣石氣 (Croatia), Jeff Jenkins (United States), Božidar Kovačić (Croatia), Dario Ogrizović (Croatia), Joe Valacich (United States), David Wilson (United States) Event Details: MIPRO 2024 - Opatija

Relevant Link(s): MIPRO 2024

Visiting AXON Biometrics and Behavioural Lab at the University of Dubrovnik

Dr. Bacic visited the AXON biometrics and behavioural science lab at the University of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Ivana Pavlic and Barbara Puh are doing some amazing things. We have lots of exciting plans and collaborations ahead of us. Event Details: University of Dubrovnic - Dubrovnik, Croatia, 5/2024

Relevant Link(s): Visit to AXON Biometrics and Behavioural Lab

BHNR343 Students Present Seven Posters at the Undergraduate Research Symposium

Research Team 1: Gender and Marketing Research Study This study used eye-tracking to analyze the effects of gendered colors and endorsers on visual attention. Findings revealed men strongly avoid the color pink, while women prefer female endorsers, emphasizing critical considerations for targeted marketing strategies. Research Team 2: Impact of TikTok-Style Video Stimulation The team explored how TikTok-style video stimulation affects cognitive effort, attention, and retention using eye tracking, facial analysis, and GSR. Results compared base videos, subtitles, second-screen stimuli, and combined effects, assessing their impact on viewer engagement. Research Team 3: Excitement in Watching Male vs. Female Athletes The study examined physiological and self-reported interest in men’s and women’s basketball games. While men reported a preference for men’s sports, biometric data showed no significant difference, attributing the preference to societal influences rather than excitement levels. Research Team 4: Bounded Rationality & Consumer Decision-Making Using eye-tracking and GSR, the study explored how information overload impacts product selection. Results demonstrated that under cognitive pressure, consumers rely on brand familiarity and heuristic shortcuts rather than optimized decision-making. Research Team 5: Impact of Video Options on Comprehension and Effort This research investigated how subtitles affect comprehension, perception, and mental effort, particularly across age groups. By combining biometrics and surveys, the team explored generational differences in the acceptance and impact of multitasking during video consumption. Independent Researcher -Positivity Effect on Memory Recall The study examined how emotional content impacts memory recall across age groups using online eye-tracking and facial analysis. Findings aim to deepen understanding of emotional processing differences and their applications in marketing and therapy. Independent Researcher - Emotional Appeals and Human Rights Engagement This study analyzed how emotional intensity in campaign videos influences perceived cultural distance (PCD) and engagement with human rights issues. Results explored PCD as a mediator of emotional appeals in fostering engagement with global crises. Event Details: April 20, 2024 – Undergraduate Research Symposium– Chicago, IL

Relevant Link(s): Spring 2024 Student Research

Meet Evey Kallmeyer, new Lab Assistant

Evey is an Information Systems and French double-major in the class of 2025. She began working in the UX & Biometrics Lab during the Spring 2024 Semester, and learned from Dr. Bačić in his BHNR 343 class during that same semester. As a Lab Assistant, Evey is creating a lab website and will aid Dr. Bačić with his research needs. You can view her related work in the Student Research section. Event Details: UX & Biometrics Lab - Chicago, IL - Spring 2024

Relevant Link(s): Visit Evey Kallmeyer on LinkedIn

iMotions' Experts visit UX & Biometric Lab: presentation of biometric capabilities to Quinlan Honors BH343 students

Relevant Link(s): iMotions' Experts visit UX & Biometrics Lab

As the spring semester comes to an end,Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University Chicago students are busy preparing for their final exams. It's a good time to look back at some of the highlights of the semester, and one of the most notable ones was the visit from Jessica M. Wilson, Ph.D., iMotions technical director, and Daniel O'Young, iMotions technical product specialist, to our BH343 Analytical Decision Making class and UX&Biometrics Lab. During their visit, our guests shared with students the latest developments in human subject research, including voice analysis, respiratory analysis, brain activity data collection, and the use of virtual reality. Students discussed their seven projects, in which they used eye tracking, facial expression analysis, and GSR, and received valuable feedback from Jessica M. Wilson, Ph.D., and Daniel O'Young. We appreciate their visit and hope to have them back soon! Event Details: Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, IL - 4/12/2024

New Research Course for Quinlan's Business Honors students focused on Biometrics

Relevant Link(s): Business Honors Research Course

Professor Bačić rolled out a revised course, BHNR343 Integrated Analytical Decision Making course, for Quinlan’s Business Honors Students, which offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to develop and execute their own research projects using the latest biometric technologies. This experiential course focuses on the newest developments in the field of user experience (UX) & biometrics (e.g., collecting and analyzing human behavior data through eye tracking, galvanic skin response, facial expression, voice, and brain activity) and introduces various methods used in cutting-edge research laboratories to study human insight in business contexts. Theoretical UX concepts and practical skills in biometric data collection and analysis will be explored using the latest academic research and hands-on work with biometric hardware, software, and data. Students will complete and present the original human insight research project (team-based) using biometric trackers and biosensors. Event Details: Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, IL - 1/16/2024

Our First Conference on HCI in Opatija (Croatia) at MIPRO 2023 was a huge success

Relevant Link(s): MIPRO 2023

Our 1st HCI conference in Opatija (Croatia) at MIPRO 2023 was a huge success. Being on the steering committee for this inaugural conference was my honor. Thank you,Joe Valacich, Dragan, and the rest of the committee. Twenty papers were presented, and I had a chance to present two papers. Thank you to my coauthors Ariana Krbanjević. Nenad Jukic, and Curt Gilstrap, Ph.D.. This brief video captures some of the moments that included the AI robot panel, exciting papers, meeting great researchers, spending time with my former colleagues from USI (Mohammed Khayum, Sudesh Mujumdar, Cristina Gilstrap, Ph.D., Curt Gilstrap, Ph.D.) networking, and enjoying food and drinks from the motherland :) Opatija is as beatiful as ever. Somehow my face [Dr. Bačić] ended up on the main news program on Croatian national TV :). Till next year. Event Details: MIPRO 2023 - Opatija, Croatia - 5/2023

Visiting EFOS

Dr. Bacic had the pleasure of visiting his hometown and the Faculty of Economics and Business in Osijek (EFOS), where he met with the EFOS leadership team, a dynamic group of students, faculty, and representatives from the University of Southern Indiana (USI). It was inspiring to engage with students from EFOS, learn about their student organizations, and share stories and experiences. Students like Marta Klasić, Teodora Kolak, Tamara Grgić, Tomislav Svalina, and Izabela Ivešić exemplify the talent and ambition driving the next generation of business leaders in Osijek and Croatia. Special thanks to Karla Bilandžić and Marina Stanić for capturing these moments. Event Details: Faculty of Economics and Business in Osijek - Osijek, Croatia - 5/22/2023

Relevant Link(s): Visiting EFOS

Visiting iMotions Boston Headquarters

Thank you for hosting me in Boston last Thursday,iMotions. It was fun to have to opportunity to share my research and hear about the exciting work being executed on the iMotions platform. Great to meet you in person, Francesca Marchionne, Ph.D, Nam Nguyen, and Cazmon Suri, after all those years! iMotions supported my work early on and it is great to see your continued growth and integration with Affectiva and Smart Eye. Event Details: iMotions - Boston, MA - 4/2023

Relevant Link(s): Visiting iMotions Boston Headquarters