🌟 GRAZIA RAGONE: PIONEER IN HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION & AUTISM RESEARCH
INTRODUCTION
Grazia Ragone is a distinguished researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with a particular focus on autism and interactive technology. With a rich academic background and extensive research experience, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of social motor synchrony in autistic children through advanced motion capture and sonification techniques. Her work bridges psychology, cognitive science, and technology, leading to innovative methodologies that enhance interactive systems for neurodiverse individuals.
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Grazia Ragone embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from the University of Pavia, followed by a Master’s degree in Music and Art Therapy from Tor Vergata University, Rome. She further specialized in Developmental Psychology with a Bachelor’s and MPhil from London Metropolitan University. Her academic trajectory culminated in a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Sussex, where she developed new metrics for measuring social motor synchrony in autistic children.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Throughout her career, Grazia has held multiple academic positions, serving as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sussex. She has taught modules spanning research methods, psychology, and human-computer interaction, equipping students with essential skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis. Additionally, she has been actively involved in research projects related to autism and technology, collaborating with institutions such as CNR-ISTI Pisa, London Metropolitan University, and the University of Sussex.
Grazia’s research focuses on developing interactive systems that cater to the needs of autistic children. Her groundbreaking thesis on “Sonification of Autistic Children’s Movements” introduced advanced metric frameworks incorporating motion capture and Pearson correlation to assess interaction and synchrony levels. Her contributions extend to:
- Designing innovative interactive systems for neurodiverse individuals.
- Developing quantitative and qualitative metrics for evaluating full-body interaction.
- Bridging psychology and HCI to enhance user experience and engagement.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Grazia’s work has profoundly influenced the field of HCI and autism research. Her research findings have been presented at international conferences, shaping discussions on autism, technology, and interaction design. She has also contributed to training programs for practitioners and pediatricians, emphasizing effective methodologies for working with autistic individuals and their families.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Her extensive research portfolio includes numerous publications in reputable journals and conference proceedings. She has presented her work at key international conferences, such as:
- International Conference of Attunement – Nonverbal Synchrony in Vienna
- International Conference of Interaction Design for Children in Braga
- International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility
- International Conference of Embodied Cognition in London
- ITASD International Conference on Innovative Technologies for Autism
HONORS & AWARDS
- Fellowship for Teaching and Learning Support in Higher Education (2020)
- Multiple invitations to prestigious conferences and symposiums
- Acknowledgment for her contributions to the advancement of autism and technology research
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Looking ahead, Grazia aims to expand her research on full-body interaction systems and neurodiverse user engagement. She envisions a future where interactive technology seamlessly integrates with therapeutic interventions, enhancing the quality of life for autistic individuals worldwide.
FINAL NOTE
Grazia Ragone’s dedication to interdisciplinary research and innovation continues to shape the future of human-computer interaction. Her expertise in autism, psychology, and technology fosters new opportunities for designing inclusive and effective interactive systems. Through her teaching, mentorship, and research, she remains a key figure in advancing HCI and neurodiversity studies.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Supporting and understanding autistic children’s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
- Authors: Grazia Ragone, Judith Good, Kate Howland
Journal: International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
Year: 2025
Child-Centered AI for Empowering Creative and Inclusive Learning Experiences
- Authors: Grazia Ragone, S.A. Ali, A. Esposito, Judith Good, Kate Howland, C. Presicce
Journal: Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
Year: 2024
Designing Safe and Engaging AI Experiences for Children: Towards the Definition of Best Practices in UI/UX Design
- Authors: Grazia Ragone, P. Buono, R. Lanzilotti
Journal: arXiv
Year: 2024
Enhancing Assessment of Social Motor Synchrony Through Full-Body Interaction: A Novel Approach with OSMoSIS Tool
- Authors: Grazia Ragone, Judith Good, Kate Howland, B. Du Boulay
Journal: Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
Year: 2024
Participatory Design for Creating Conversational Agents to Improve Web Accessibility
- Authors: M.F. Costabile, R. Lanzilotti, M. Matera, A. Piccinno, N. Pinto, L. Piro, E. Pucci, Grazia Ragone
Journal: CEUR Workshop Proceedings
Year: 2024