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Pollie Barden

Queen Mary, University of London, School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, PhD Researcher

New York University, ITP, POLY and Steinhardt, Graduate Student

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I am a researcher in Design and Creative Technology with a focus on social issues. In particular, my research centers around working with digitally disenfranchised communities through participatory methods. To my research I bring a multidisciplinary background designing, developing, programming and project managing digital experiences that range from web/mobile based platforms, physical computing to pervasive games. I am interested in solving real problems that benefit real people in their everyday lives. From developing games as assessment tools to open up new employment opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities to a platform for guests across the globe to share a meal. I have presented my research, game and artwork at conferences, museums and exhibitions across the globe.

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University of Wollongong

The University of Texas at Austin

University of California, Santa Barbara

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Lancaster University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Ayman I Madbouly

King AbdulAziz University (KAU) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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University of Memphis

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Papers by Pollie Barden

Gameful Systems: Play in the digital age for young and old

Games have been used as a tool to introduce older people to digital technology. Here we are devel... more Games have been used as a tool to introduce older people to digital technology. Here we are developing a gameful system to facilitate the social interactions between older people and young adults in a community run club. We discuss opportunities for gamification as it relates to our current study using a local running group as platform for supporting older people in gaining confidence in integrating digital technologies in their everyday life. We discuss the over arching issue of older people, digital technology usage and participatory design. This provides the background for addressing points of using gameful system to foster empowerment and connection in the intergenerational running group.

Queen Mary, University of London

The Grants Register 2019, 2018

In 2007, Qalaa Holdings established the Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation (QHSF, previously k... more In 2007, Qalaa Holdings established the Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation (QHSF, previously known as the Citadel Capital Scholarship Foundation) as its flagship CSR project. The firm has endowed the Foundation to grant academic scholarships to talented young Egyptian men and women interested in pursuing Master's degrees and PhDs at international universities. Citadel Capital Scholarship Subjects: Eligibility criteria and application procedures are all explained on the website. CCSF is only funding Master's level degrees at the moment.

Not Sharing Sushi: Exploring Social Presence and Connectedness at the Telematic Dinner Party

This chapter contains sections titled: Telematic Dinner Party, Telematic Dining, Summary, Conclus... more

Older people and digital technology: from digital learners to digital leaders through participatory design with community-based organisations

It is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by 2050 in develop... more It is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by 2050 in developed countries. In recognition of the needs of an ageing population, there is a growing field of research in HCI focused on engaging older people with digital technologies. This thesis contributes to the field of ageing in HCI through a community-based participatory design investigation into the challenges and opportunities for older people to engage with digital tools in their everyday lives. We demonstrate how the commitments, practices and values of participatory design can be used to better understand and foster engagement between digital tools and older people through the support of community-based organisations. This is achieved through two case studies. The first study with a traditional computer class at a local day centre. The second with a London-based intergenerational running club. The research reflects on and examines the details and decisions of the learning and adoption process across these two studies. We expand our view beyond the digital tools to the influences and situations that contribute to older people's attitudes and usage. Through the lens of participatory design and communities of practice we discuss the considerations of values, problem-solving, and identity that can potentially be transferred to other non-traditional digital learning environments for older people. We provide recommendations and reflect on our challenges to serve as guidance for other researchers engaging in similar participatory work 'in-the-wild'.

Gameful Systems: Play in the digital age for young and old

Games have been used as a tool to introduce older people to digital technology. Here we are devel... more Games have been used as a tool to introduce older people to digital technology. Here we are developing a gameful system to facilitate the social interactions between older people and young adults in a community run club. We discuss opportunities for gamification as it relates to our current study using a local running group as platform for supporting older people in gaining confidence in integrating digital technologies in their everyday life. We discuss the over arching issue of older people, digital technology usage and participatory design. This provides the background for addressing points of using gameful system to foster empowerment and connection in the intergenerational running group.

Telematic Dining: A Live Performance?

There is an increasing desire for individuals to connect through computer-mediated communication.... more There is an increasing desire for individuals to connect through computer-mediated communication. In particular, there is a growing trend of applications aspiring to support a sense of togetherness in social and leisure settings. Drawing on this public trend, performative arts and existing telecommunications research, we identify the social practice of sharing a meal together as ripe for reinterpretation in the network space. We explore the opportunities to design a technology platform that supports remote guests in experiencing togetherness and playfulness within the practices of a traditional dinner party. Through both visual and aural channels as well as remote agency, the dinner guests were able to share a holistic telematic dining experience comparable to a traditional copresence dinner. We report the findings of four telematic dinner parties.

Vulnerability: Participatory Design, Older People and Researchers

Participatory design research is often used in work involving older people who are using digital ... more Participatory design research is often used in work involving older people who are using digital technology. This type of research typically opens up both the researcher and the participant to vulnerabilities in the process. We discuss these issues of vulnerability as it relates to our current study using a local running group as platform for supporting older people in gaining confidence in integrating digital technologies in their everyday life. We discuss the over arching issue of older people, digital technology usage and participatory design. This provides the background for addressing points of awareness regarding empowerment, expectations, boundaries and loss for both the participants and the researcher.

Connecting Isolated Older People across Distance through Gameplay and Technology

Interactive Telecommunications Program Tisch School of the Arts New York University

The telematic dinner party

ACM SIGGRAPH 2012 Posters on - SIGGRAPH '12, 2012

Older People and Digital Technology From digital learners to digital leaders through participatory design with community-based organisations

It is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by 2050 in develop... more It is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by 2050 in developed countries. In recognition of the needs of an ageing population, there is a growing field of research in HCI focused on engaging older people with digital technologies. This thesis contributes to the field of ageing in HCI through a community-based participatory design investigation into the challenges and opportunities for older people to engage with digital tools in their everyday lives. We demonstrate how the commitments, practices and values of participatory design can be used to better understand and foster engagement between digital tools and older people through the support of community-based organisations. This is achieved through two case studies. The first study with a traditional computer class at a local day centre. The second with a London-based intergenerational running club. The research reflects on and examines the details and decisions of the learning and adoption process across these two studies. We expand our view beyond the digital tools to the influences and situations that contribute to older people's attitudes and usage. Through the lens of participatory design and communities of practice we discuss the considerations of values, problem-solving, and identity that can potentially be transferred to other non-traditional digital learning environments for older people. We provide recommendations and reflect on our challenges to serve as guidance for other researchers engaging in similar participatory work 'in-the-wild'.

iN-‐BaGs as a participative project

In this paper, I present iN-‐BaGs as a participative project in the development of assistive tech... more In this paper, I present iN-‐BaGs as a participative project in the development of assistive technology. iN-‐BaGs are a group of wirelessly networked pouches that are used by people who use motorized wheelchairs. The pouches are inserted into an existing backpack and are wirelessly connected and managed by a remote control.

Telematic dinner party: designing for togetherness through play and performance

Abstract There is an increasing desire to remain connected when physically distant and computer-m... more Abstract There is an increasing desire to remain connected when physically distant and computer-mediated communication (CMC) is one means of satisfying this desire. In particular, there is a growing trend for individuals to use commercially available technology to connect with friends and family in social and leisure settings. Drawing on this trend, performative arts and existing telecommunications research, we identify the social practice of sharing a meal together as ripe for reinterpretation within CMC.

The telematic dinner party

Abstract Meals have traditionally been a site for togetherness. We explore the opportunities to d... more Abstract Meals have traditionally been a site for togetherness. We explore the opportunities to design a technology platform that supports remote guests in experiencing togetherness and playfulness within the practices of a traditional dinner party. Through both visual, aural channels and remote agency, the guests shared a holistic telematic dining experience comparable to a traditional co-presence dinner.

itp.nyu.edu

Gameful Systems: Play in the digital age for young and old

Games have been used as a tool to introduce older people to digital technology. Here we are devel... more Games have been used as a tool to introduce older people to digital technology. Here we are developing a gameful system to facilitate the social interactions between older people and young adults in a community run club. We discuss opportunities for gamification as it relates to our current study using a local running group as platform for supporting older people in gaining confidence in integrating digital technologies in their everyday life. We discuss the over arching issue of older people, digital technology usage and participatory design. This provides the background for addressing points of using gameful system to foster empowerment and connection in the intergenerational running group.

Queen Mary, University of London

The Grants Register 2019, 2018

In 2007, Qalaa Holdings established the Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation (QHSF, previously k... more In 2007, Qalaa Holdings established the Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation (QHSF, previously known as the Citadel Capital Scholarship Foundation) as its flagship CSR project. The firm has endowed the Foundation to grant academic scholarships to talented young Egyptian men and women interested in pursuing Master's degrees and PhDs at international universities. Citadel Capital Scholarship Subjects: Eligibility criteria and application procedures are all explained on the website. CCSF is only funding Master's level degrees at the moment.

Not Sharing Sushi: Exploring Social Presence and Connectedness at the Telematic Dinner Party

This chapter contains sections titled: Telematic Dinner Party, Telematic Dining, Summary, Conclus... more

Older people and digital technology: from digital learners to digital leaders through participatory design with community-based organisations

It is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by 2050 in develop... more It is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by 2050 in developed countries. In recognition of the needs of an ageing population, there is a growing field of research in HCI focused on engaging older people with digital technologies. This thesis contributes to the field of ageing in HCI through a community-based participatory design investigation into the challenges and opportunities for older people to engage with digital tools in their everyday lives. We demonstrate how the commitments, practices and values of participatory design can be used to better understand and foster engagement between digital tools and older people through the support of community-based organisations. This is achieved through two case studies. The first study with a traditional computer class at a local day centre. The second with a London-based intergenerational running club. The research reflects on and examines the details and decisions of the learning and adoption process across these two studies. We expand our view beyond the digital tools to the influences and situations that contribute to older people's attitudes and usage. Through the lens of participatory design and communities of practice we discuss the considerations of values, problem-solving, and identity that can potentially be transferred to other non-traditional digital learning environments for older people. We provide recommendations and reflect on our challenges to serve as guidance for other researchers engaging in similar participatory work 'in-the-wild'.

Gameful Systems: Play in the digital age for young and old

Games have been used as a tool to introduce older people to digital technology. Here we are devel... more Games have been used as a tool to introduce older people to digital technology. Here we are developing a gameful system to facilitate the social interactions between older people and young adults in a community run club. We discuss opportunities for gamification as it relates to our current study using a local running group as platform for supporting older people in gaining confidence in integrating digital technologies in their everyday life. We discuss the over arching issue of older people, digital technology usage and participatory design. This provides the background for addressing points of using gameful system to foster empowerment and connection in the intergenerational running group.

Telematic Dining: A Live Performance?

There is an increasing desire for individuals to connect through computer-mediated communication.... more There is an increasing desire for individuals to connect through computer-mediated communication. In particular, there is a growing trend of applications aspiring to support a sense of togetherness in social and leisure settings. Drawing on this public trend, performative arts and existing telecommunications research, we identify the social practice of sharing a meal together as ripe for reinterpretation in the network space. We explore the opportunities to design a technology platform that supports remote guests in experiencing togetherness and playfulness within the practices of a traditional dinner party. Through both visual and aural channels as well as remote agency, the dinner guests were able to share a holistic telematic dining experience comparable to a traditional copresence dinner. We report the findings of four telematic dinner parties.

Vulnerability: Participatory Design, Older People and Researchers

Participatory design research is often used in work involving older people who are using digital ... more Participatory design research is often used in work involving older people who are using digital technology. This type of research typically opens up both the researcher and the participant to vulnerabilities in the process. We discuss these issues of vulnerability as it relates to our current study using a local running group as platform for supporting older people in gaining confidence in integrating digital technologies in their everyday life. We discuss the over arching issue of older people, digital technology usage and participatory design. This provides the background for addressing points of awareness regarding empowerment, expectations, boundaries and loss for both the participants and the researcher.

Connecting Isolated Older People across Distance through Gameplay and Technology

Interactive Telecommunications Program Tisch School of the Arts New York University

The telematic dinner party

ACM SIGGRAPH 2012 Posters on - SIGGRAPH '12, 2012

Older People and Digital Technology From digital learners to digital leaders through participatory design with community-based organisations

It is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by 2050 in develop... more It is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by 2050 in developed countries. In recognition of the needs of an ageing population, there is a growing field of research in HCI focused on engaging older people with digital technologies. This thesis contributes to the field of ageing in HCI through a community-based participatory design investigation into the challenges and opportunities for older people to engage with digital tools in their everyday lives. We demonstrate how the commitments, practices and values of participatory design can be used to better understand and foster engagement between digital tools and older people through the support of community-based organisations. This is achieved through two case studies. The first study with a traditional computer class at a local day centre. The second with a London-based intergenerational running club. The research reflects on and examines the details and decisions of the learning and adoption process across these two studies. We expand our view beyond the digital tools to the influences and situations that contribute to older people's attitudes and usage. Through the lens of participatory design and communities of practice we discuss the considerations of values, problem-solving, and identity that can potentially be transferred to other non-traditional digital learning environments for older people. We provide recommendations and reflect on our challenges to serve as guidance for other researchers engaging in similar participatory work 'in-the-wild'.

iN-‐BaGs as a participative project

In this paper, I present iN-‐BaGs as a participative project in the development of assistive tech... more In this paper, I present iN-‐BaGs as a participative project in the development of assistive technology. iN-‐BaGs are a group of wirelessly networked pouches that are used by people who use motorized wheelchairs. The pouches are inserted into an existing backpack and are wirelessly connected and managed by a remote control.

Telematic dinner party: designing for togetherness through play and performance

Abstract There is an increasing desire to remain connected when physically distant and computer-m... more Abstract There is an increasing desire to remain connected when physically distant and computer-mediated communication (CMC) is one means of satisfying this desire. In particular, there is a growing trend for individuals to use commercially available technology to connect with friends and family in social and leisure settings. Drawing on this trend, performative arts and existing telecommunications research, we identify the social practice of sharing a meal together as ripe for reinterpretation within CMC.

The telematic dinner party

Abstract Meals have traditionally been a site for togetherness. We explore the opportunities to d... more Abstract Meals have traditionally been a site for togetherness. We explore the opportunities to design a technology platform that supports remote guests in experiencing togetherness and playfulness within the practices of a traditional dinner party. Through both visual, aural channels and remote agency, the guests shared a holistic telematic dining experience comparable to a traditional co-presence dinner.

itp.nyu.edu