Collaborative Research Center

SFB-TRR 161

Quantitative Methods for Visual Computing

We are living in a data society in which data is generated at amazing speed; individuals, companies, organizations, and governments are on the brink of being drawn into a massive deluge of data. The great challenge is to extract the relevant information from vast amounts of data and communicate it effectively.

Typical scenarios include decision and policy making for urban and environmental planning or understanding relationships and dependencies in complex networks, e.g., social networks or networks from the field of bioinformatics. These scenarios are not only of interest to specialized experts; in fact, there is a trend toward including the broad public, which requires the information to be presented in a reliable, faithful, and easy-to-understand fashion.

Visual computing can play a key role in extracting and presenting the relevant information.

In visual computing research the aspect of quantification is often neglected. The SFB-TRR 161 seeks to close this gap.

The long-term goal is to strengthen the research field by establishing the paradigm of quantitative science in visual computing.

About the SFB-TRR 161

News

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SFB-TRR 161 Events

May 4th, 2026, 4 pm - 5.30 pm

University of Stuttgart

1st Talk | Virtual Potential, Real Challenges: Navigating the Challenges and Potentials of VR/XR

Held by:

Bernhard Rieke, Simon Fraser University, CA, USA

Abstract:

Virtual Reality technology is becoming increasingly powerful and affordable, and VR has been described as the "ultimate medium" in the sense that you can experience/simulate other media through VR, but not the other way around. However, there remain many (and often fundamental) challenges that need to be overcome before we can tap into the full potential and promise of virtual reality (VR) and extended/mixed reality (XR/MR). Such key challenges include adverse effects such as motion sickness (or more specifically cybersickness) and disorientation; usability and user experience challenges such as cumbersome and non-intuitive navigation and interaction; the lack of a truly life-like, embodied sensation of actually being in and moving through simulated spaces (presence and vection); and limited agency and empowerment. Furthermore, these challenges are often magnified in typical VR scenarios where space, technical, and financial resources are limited. 
In this overview talk, I will present an exploration of these challenges based on our research at the iSpace Lab at SFU-SIAT. Our work is dedicated to not only understanding these complexities but also developing potential solutions to address them. This includes investigating how VR/XR can be harnessed to create impactful, potentially transformative experiences that extend beyond what is typically accessible in real life. Through this presentation, I aim to shed light on the intricacies of VR/XR technologies and the ongoing efforts to enhance their usability and effectiveness. I hope that this will also provide an opportunity to foster dialogue and explore potential collaborations.

Bio:

Bernhard Riecke is full professor at the School of Interactive Arts and Technology at Simon Fraser University where he directs the iSpace Lab (an acronym for immersive Spatial Perception Action/Art Cognition and Embodiment).  He joined SFU in 2008, after research¬ing for a decade in the Virtual Reality Group of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany and work¬ing as a post-doctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute, Vanderbilt University, and UC Santa Barbara. His key research areas include human spatial cognition/orientation/updating/navigation; Enabling robust and effortless spatial orientation in VR and telepresence; Self-motion perception, illusions ("vection"), interfaces, and simulation; and investigating and designing for transformative positive experiences in VR (which he touches on in his TEDx talk "Could Virtual Reality make us more human?").

2nd Talk | Haptic feedback for 3DUIS - from head to toe

Held by:

Ernst Kruijff, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences

Abstract:

In my talk, I will present my research on multisensory haptic feedback for AR/VR systems, focusing on how feedback across the entire body (head, hands, torso, feet) can improve interaction, perception, and user performance. I will explore a wide range of haptic technologies (including facial feedback, vibrotactile gloves, electrical muscle stimulation, mobile device actuation, and foot-based feedback) showing how they can simulate properties like texture, weight, force, and motion. A key theme is sensory substitution and multimodal interaction (combining touch, audio, and vision) to enhance spatial awareness and interaction, especially when visual information is limited.The work emphasizes human factors (perception, cognition, usability) and demonstrates that haptic cues can improve navigation, object manipulation, presence, and realism.

Bio:

Ernst Kruijff is a researcher in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), specializing in multisensory 3D user interfaces and haptic feedback. He is Professor for Human-Computer Interaction with the Institute of Visual Computing at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences and  Adjunct Professor with Simon Fraser University in Canada. His work focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of interactive systems that combine visual, auditory, and tactile feedback to improve user performance, perception, and situational awareness. A central theme of his research is full-body haptics, exploring feedback across the head, hands, torso, and feet for immersive environments. Kruijff has contributed to areas such as 3D interaction, navigation in VR/AR, sensory substitution, and human factors in immersive systems, publishing in venues like ACM CHI, IEEE VR, and ISMAR. His research bridges fundamental perception studies and applied system design, aiming to make immersive technologies more natural, effective, and usable.

Location:

University of Stuttgart, Visualization Research Center (VISUS), Room: 00.012

The lecture will be available via WebEx.

Meeting-ID (access code): 2792 353 8672
Meeting password: rbEWKm7p9J5

For participants via WebEx: The transmission will kindly be managed by Patrick Gralka. He will be on site and monitor/manage the WebEx-Session incl. Q&A during and after the talk as well. Please don´t hesitate to get in touch with Patrick in case of questions or problems regarding the transmission/your online participation: Patrick.Gralka@visus.uni-stuttgart.de

May 7, 2026, full day

TU Berlin

5^th Workshop on Women* in Computing: Finding Balance – Juggling Obligations, Working Domains, Work & Life

In this half-day workshop, we focus on how to find balance, which includes balance between work and life, (mental) health, and juggling multiple obligations. We have invited a selected number of successful researchers from industry and academia who will take the stage to share their perspectives and unique insights into their careers and research domains. With this event, we aim to foster mentorship in career development for young (female) researchers by establishing and strengthening a network of Women* in Computing.

This is an event about, from and with women in computing, but by no means exclusively "for" them. All are welcome!

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Jun 16th - 17th, 2026, full days

Berghotel Jägerhof, Isny

Internal Status Seminar of the SFB-TRR 161

Past Events