Economic decisions in business and everyday life are increasingly influenced by IT-based systems. These systems act as “cast in code” institutions and processes, shaping decision-makers’ interactions and behaviors. The KD²School focuses on transforming static systems into dynamic, adaptive systems that respond to changing decision-making contexts.

Decision-making is inherently embedded in dynamic contexts, shaped by personal (e.g., stress), task-related (e.g., complexity), and environmental factors (e.g., incentives). The key challenge is to leverage these contextual data and design IT-based solutions that adapt to decision-making processes—enhancing decision quality while reducing cognitive effort.

Within this framework, our current research focuses on advancing interaction with earables, particularly through the development of real-world applications for OpenEarable—a sensor-rich headphone system developed at TECO by an associate of the KD²School. OpenEarable is equipped with an unprecedented variety of sensors, making it stand out among devices of its kind. This unique sensor setup enables novel applications that go beyond conventional headphones or simpler earables. Our work aims to bridge the gap between user experience, sensor technology, and adaptive systems, exploring how real-time contextual data can optimize interaction with earables. By leveraging interdisciplinary backgrounds, we investigate how adaptive IT-based solutions can enhance usability and support decision-making in challenging environments.

For more information, please visit kd2school.info/ and contact: Jonas Hummel (hummel@teco.edu)