Lessons Learned About Designing and Conducting Studies From HRI Experts

Area of Science:

• Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
• Research Methodology
• Interdisciplinary Studies

Background:

• Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) research demands expertise across diverse fields like computer science, psychology, and engineering.
• Researchers often face challenges in mastering methodological skills outside their primary expertise.
• A gap exists in accessible, practical guidance for developing robust HRI study designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance methodological skills among Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) researchers through a virtual workshop.
• To provide practical lessons and guidelines for improving study design, participant engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration in HRI.
• To share feedback from workshop attendees and distill key learnings for future HRI research endeavors.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a virtual workshop, Workshop Your Study Design (WYSD), at the 2021 International Conference on HRI.
• Grouped participants with mentors expert in areas such as empirical lab studies, questionnaire design, and statistics.
• Facilitated discussions on proposed study methods, feedback exchange, and iterative refinement of research designs.

Main Results:

• Workshop attendees provided positive feedback, suggesting practical improvements for future iterations.
• Participants gained valuable insights and practical tips across key themes: improving study design, working with diverse participants (including children), managing study/robot limitations, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• The paper's main contribution is a curated set of lessons learned, directly informed by participant experiences and discussions.

Conclusions:

• The virtual workshop effectively supported HRI researchers in developing methodological skills.
• The lessons learned offer actionable guidance to help researchers navigate common pitfalls and enhance the quality of their HRI studies.
• The findings provide a valuable resource for both novice and experienced researchers seeking to improve their HRI study designs and execution.