Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

4-2022

Abstract

Wilderness search and rescue (WSAR) is a command-and-control activity where a Command team manages field teams scattered across a large area looking for a lost person. The challenge is that it can be difficult for Command to maintain awareness of field teams and the conditions of the field. We designed RescueCASTR, an interface that explores the idea of deploying field teams with wearable cameras that stream live video or sequential photos periodically to Command that aid contextual awareness. We ran a remote user study with WSAR managers to understand the opportunities and challenges of such a system. We found that the awareness provided by the footage could give additional confidence and comfort to Command, while reducing the need for explicit communications. However, it could also impact workers' traditional roles and shift the burden of responsibility toward Command. We conclude that, while wearable-camera footage could be beneficial to Command, they need to have the tools and means to narrow their focus within the abundance of information provided. Furthermore, camera streams should not be thought of as a replacement for more direct communications, but rather as another tool available to help Command supplement their understanding of events in the field and help them narrow their focus.

Keywords

awareness, live streaming, remote collaboration, search and rescue

Discipline

Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces

Research Areas

Software and Cyber-Physical Systems

Publication

Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction

Volume

6

First Page

1

Last Page

32

ISSN

2573-0142

Identifier

10.1145/3512960

Publisher

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1145/3512960

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