2026
Shah, Arsh
RowSim: Designing and Evaluating Ambient Interaction in Mixed-Reality Rowing Masters Thesis
Dalhousie University, 2026.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: ambient display, control mapping, immersive visualization, IMU, projection mapping, rowing, sensor fusion, simulation
@mastersthesis{Shah2026,
title = {RowSim: Designing and Evaluating Ambient Interaction in Mixed-Reality Rowing},
author = {Arsh Shah},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-08-31},
urldate = {2026-08-31},
school = {Dalhousie University},
abstract = {A rowing ergometer reproduces the effort of rowing while removing its perceptual accom-
paniment, filling the gap with a console that must be read. Ambient-display research has
argued for three decades that information can occupy the periphery, but almost entirely for
people at rest.
RowSim augments an ergometer with a floor-projected fluid simulation driven by the
rower’s movement. Effort scales the wake’s brightness and how hard it pushes the fluid;
nothing is a number or recoverable as a value. Seventeen rowers, twelve casual and five
elite, rowed an open-ended ten-minute session with the console covered, then answered
questionnaires and an interview.
The groups differed by a factor of 3.7 in mean power, with all seven physical measures
separating them; no engagement measure did. Two participants independently reported that
the flow did not read as their own, because no action could stop it: restoring optic flow is a
coupling problem, not a rendering one.
The contribution is a working system and evidence that a peripheral, non-symbolic
display remains usable during exertion, together with a perceptual account of why the
missing accompaniment matters and of the one condition the display failed to meet.},
keywords = {ambient display, control mapping, immersive visualization, IMU, projection mapping, rowing, sensor fusion, simulation},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {mastersthesis}
}
A rowing ergometer reproduces the effort of rowing while removing its perceptual accom-
paniment, filling the gap with a console that must be read. Ambient-display research has
argued for three decades that information can occupy the periphery, but almost entirely for
people at rest.
RowSim augments an ergometer with a floor-projected fluid simulation driven by the
rower’s movement. Effort scales the wake’s brightness and how hard it pushes the fluid;
nothing is a number or recoverable as a value. Seventeen rowers, twelve casual and five
elite, rowed an open-ended ten-minute session with the console covered, then answered
questionnaires and an interview.
The groups differed by a factor of 3.7 in mean power, with all seven physical measures
separating them; no engagement measure did. Two participants independently reported that
the flow did not read as their own, because no action could stop it: restoring optic flow is a
coupling problem, not a rendering one.
The contribution is a working system and evidence that a peripheral, non-symbolic
display remains usable during exertion, together with a perceptual account of why the
missing accompaniment matters and of the one condition the display failed to meet.
paniment, filling the gap with a console that must be read. Ambient-display research has
argued for three decades that information can occupy the periphery, but almost entirely for
people at rest.
RowSim augments an ergometer with a floor-projected fluid simulation driven by the
rower’s movement. Effort scales the wake’s brightness and how hard it pushes the fluid;
nothing is a number or recoverable as a value. Seventeen rowers, twelve casual and five
elite, rowed an open-ended ten-minute session with the console covered, then answered
questionnaires and an interview.
The groups differed by a factor of 3.7 in mean power, with all seven physical measures
separating them; no engagement measure did. Two participants independently reported that
the flow did not read as their own, because no action could stop it: restoring optic flow is a
coupling problem, not a rendering one.
The contribution is a working system and evidence that a peripheral, non-symbolic
display remains usable during exertion, together with a perceptual account of why the
missing accompaniment matters and of the one condition the display failed to meet.
2025
Rahman, Yeaminur
Adapting Eco-Driving Feedback and Historical Visualization for Vessel Dashboards Masters Thesis
Dalhousie University, 2025.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: behaviour change, climate, dashboard, geospatial analytics, mobile, navigation, peripheral vision, simulation, training, virtual environment, visualization, wayfinding
@mastersthesis{Rahman2025,
title = {Adapting Eco-Driving Feedback and Historical Visualization for Vessel Dashboards},
author = {Yeaminur Rahman},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10222/85531},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-25},
urldate = {2025-11-25},
school = {Dalhousie University},
abstract = {Maritime navigation is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. While large-scale cargo shipping is the major contributor, smaller maritime operations, including patrolling, fishing, public transit, and recreation, present unique challenges and opportunities for power management. Fuel consumption, power conversion, and environmental data can permit environmentally conscious and cost-effective decision-making when driving a boat. To achieve this, we need to understand how best to integrate such data into boat dashboard interfaces. In this work, we design an Eco Dashboard inspired by eco-driving feedback dashboards in the automotive industry, as well as a variant of the Eco Dashboard that additionally visualizes historical route and fuel consumption data (Eco + Historical Dashboard). In an experimental simulation (N = 30) involving 12 experienced mariners and 18 novices, we compared both interfaces with a typical boat dashboard that presented fuel and speed. Our findings suggest that dashboards incorporating historical data, alongside eco-driving features, improve fuel efficiency and decision-making, particularly for non-experienced users. The Eco Dashboard supported real-time adjustments during complex navigation, whereas the Eco + Historical Dashboard enhanced route planning and confidence in longer-term decisions. Participants also reported greater confidence and reduced cognitive load when using these systems. These results provide valuable insights for the future design of maritime dashboard systems, offering a pathway to more effective and environmentally conscious navigation tools.},
keywords = {behaviour change, climate, dashboard, geospatial analytics, mobile, navigation, peripheral vision, simulation, training, virtual environment, visualization, wayfinding},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {mastersthesis}
}
Maritime navigation is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. While large-scale cargo shipping is the major contributor, smaller maritime operations, including patrolling, fishing, public transit, and recreation, present unique challenges and opportunities for power management. Fuel consumption, power conversion, and environmental data can permit environmentally conscious and cost-effective decision-making when driving a boat. To achieve this, we need to understand how best to integrate such data into boat dashboard interfaces. In this work, we design an Eco Dashboard inspired by eco-driving feedback dashboards in the automotive industry, as well as a variant of the Eco Dashboard that additionally visualizes historical route and fuel consumption data (Eco + Historical Dashboard). In an experimental simulation (N = 30) involving 12 experienced mariners and 18 novices, we compared both interfaces with a typical boat dashboard that presented fuel and speed. Our findings suggest that dashboards incorporating historical data, alongside eco-driving features, improve fuel efficiency and decision-making, particularly for non-experienced users. The Eco Dashboard supported real-time adjustments during complex navigation, whereas the Eco + Historical Dashboard enhanced route planning and confidence in longer-term decisions. Participants also reported greater confidence and reduced cognitive load when using these systems. These results provide valuable insights for the future design of maritime dashboard systems, offering a pathway to more effective and environmentally conscious navigation tools.