Christopher Frauenberger

University of Salzburg, University of Vienna

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Christopher Frauenberger is a leading voice in human-computer interaction and socially responsible technology design, with a particular focus on care robotics and digital humanism. His research critically examines how robotic technologies are developed and deployed in sensitive contexts, especially dementia care and the broader care sector. Frauenberger’s major contributions include pioneering design methodologies that move beyond techno-solutionism, such as his work on “speculative vignettes” and co-design hackathons that foreground the lived experiences of caregivers and care recipients. His most cited paper (2024, 5 citations) challenges the prevailing narrative that robots can simply “solve” care labor shortages, instead proposing nuanced design considerations for “good care.” He also interrogates the very definition of social robots within the framework of Digital Humanism, questioning whether current innovation trajectories truly serve human flourishing. With a career spanning influential publications in venues like CHI and CSCW, Frauenberger’s work has shaped ethical debates around participatory design and the future of human-robot relations. His research is essential reading for students and scholars interested in how technology can be designed with, rather than for, vulnerable populations.