Stephen Viller

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Stephen Viller is a leading researcher in human-computer interaction (HCI), with a particular focus on child-computer interaction and the design of interactive technologies for early learning environments. His major contributions lie in understanding how young children, including those as young as two years old, perceive and engage with robotic systems. His most-cited work, "Children's Expectations and Strategies in Interacting with a Wizard of Oz Robot" (2015), presents a pioneering analysis of 23 children aged 2–6 interacting with a prototype robot designed for early learning centres. Using a Wizard of Oz methodology, Viller uncovered how children form expectations and develop interaction strategies with ambiguous, non-humanoid forms—insights that have shaped the design of more intuitive, child-friendly robots. This paper, with 9 citations, has influenced subsequent research in developmental robotics and educational technology. Viller’s work is notable for bridging empirical child psychology with practical design, offering a nuanced view of how even very young users approach technology. His research continues to inform the deployment of interactive agents in early childhood settings, making him a key figure in the ethical and effective design of robots for education.