I find it particularly interesting to understand and systematise some concepts in HCI by building scales. Such instruments, with all their inherent limitations, often help us get a grasp on what otherwise would be ephemeral. Below, you’ll find info on scales which I helped design and how they could be used. I would be honoured if you find these scales useful in your research. Clicking on the name of each scale will take you to a page with the full items and scoring instructions.
I am on a quest to understand what it is about interactive systems that makes us feel uneasy about them. While this a quixotic task, we do try to have scraps of understanding. To this end, we developed the Perceived Creepiness of Technology Scale (PCTS).
Similarly, we later explored the reasons for which people may be unwilling to use Mixed Reality systems. This resulted in the MRC Questionnaire.
Reflection is a key concept in a lot of my work on technology for wellbeing. To measure how technology can support reflection, we first developed the TSRI. We later built and validated a more robust scale for the purpose, the Reflection, Rumination and Thought in Technology Scale (R2T2).
As users increasingly interact with AI systems that appear intelligent or agentic, understanding how they perceive consciousness in technology becomes critical. To address this, we developed the Precursors of Perceived Consciousness in Interactive Systems Scale (PreCoS) — a 12-item instrument scored on a 7-point Likert scale. PreCoS measures four design qualities that contribute to perceived consciousness: cognition, empathy, responsiveness, and predictability. It is the first validated tool enabling systematic HCI study and design of systems that may appear conscious, while accounting for risks such as overtrust or psychological discomfort.