Doctoral Defense in Industrial Engineering - Nashmin Yeganeh

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Doctoral candidate:
Nashmin Yeganeh

Title of thesis:
Development of a Vibrotactile Wearable for Real-Time Information Communication

Opponents:
Dr. Joanna Bergström, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Dr. Delphine Chadefaux, Associate Professor at the Institut de Biomécanique Humaine Georges Charpak, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, France

Advisor:
Dr. Rúnar Unnþórsson, Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Iceland

Other members of the doctoral committee:
Dr. Árni Kristjánsson, Professor at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Iceland
Dr. Jeremy Marozeau, Senior Researcher at the Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Chair of Ceremony:
Dr. Hafsteinn Einarsson, Associate Professor and Head of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Iceland

Abstract:
In increasingly information-dense digital environments, alternative communication modalities are needed when visual and auditory channels are overloaded, constrained, or unavailable. This research investigates vibrotactile communication through the forearm as a perceptually efficient channel for conveying information in wearable human–computer interfaces. Using a custom-designed, forearm-mounted haptic device and controlled psychophysical experiments, the research systematically examines three fundamental dimensions of tactile information encoding: spatial resolution, frequency and anatomical placement, and temporal organization. The findings identify key perceptual constraints and demonstrate that reliable vibrotactile communication depends strongly on actuator spacing, stimulation location, and particularly the temporal structure of tactile patterns. Sequential stimulation substantially improves recognition compared with simultaneous presentation, while appropriately designed inter-stimulus intervals further enhance perceptual accuracy. Performance also improves with repeated exposure, highlighting the adaptability of the human tactile system. Collectively, the findings establish perception-driven design principles for wearable haptic communication and demonstrate that complex information can be effectively encoded through structured vibration patterns on the forearm. The work provides a foundation for next-generation assistive technologies, sensory-substitution systems, silent communication interfaces, and immersive VR/AR applications, positioning touch as a viable and underutilized communication channel in human–computer interaction.

About the doctoral candidate:
Nashmin Yeganeh is a Ph.D. candidate in Industrial Engineering and a researcher at the ACUTE Lab, University of Iceland. She holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and brings four years of professional engineering experience from industry. Nashmin began her doctoral studies in 2021 under the supervision of Professor Runar Unnthorsson, with Professor Arni Kristjansson as co-supervisor. Her interdisciplinary research lies at the intersection of engineering, human perception, and human–computer interaction, investigating how touch can serve as an effective channel for communication. Her work focuses on forearm-mounted wearable haptic systems and vibrotactile communication, with the broader aim of developing intuitive, accessible, and human-centered ways to interact with technology. Beyond her research, Nashmin is the mother of two daughters and has navigated the demands of doctoral study alongside a growing family. Her husband, Reza, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Iceland, has been a strong source of support throughout her Ph.D. journey. The birth of their second daughter midway through Nashmin’s doctoral studies brought both new challenges and a meaningful new perspective, becoming a powerful source of motivation and resilience.