MIX students shine at lifelog challenge in Phuket

The LifeLens team from the Media- and Interaction Design program at the University of Bergen, consisting of Maria Tysse Hordvik and Julie Sophie Teilstad Østby, traveled to Thailand to participate in the ACM International Conference on Multimedia Retrieval. At the conference, they competed for the second year in a row in the seventh annual Lifelog Search Challenge 2024 with their innovative system, LifeLens. The conference provided a valuable platform for exchanging leading-edge multimedia retrieval ideas among researchers, practitioners, and other potential users of multimedia retrieval systems.
Julie Sophie Teilstad Østby, Maria Tysse Hordvik and Manoj Kesavulu at Lifelog Search Challenge 2024
Publisert: 4. juli 2024

Empowering undergraduates

Participating in this international conference has been a remarkable opportunity for us as bachelor's students. Such chances are rare at our level, and it has not only allowed us to make a meaningful contribution but also showcased the potential that undergraduate students hold in the realm of research. We are grateful to Teklab for this invaluable experience, which has bolstered our confidence and underscored the importance of networking and collaboration in our field.

Lifelog Search Challenge (LSC24)

On the first day of the conference, the Lifelog Search Challenge (LSC) takes place. LSC is an annual competition aimed at encouraging international teams to develop interactive content retrieval systems capable of searching large lifelog databases. It is conducted as a live event co-located with the ACM International Conference on Multimedia Retrieval (ICMR).

The purpose of LSC is to develop systems that can retrieve specific lifelog data, such as photos, as quickly as possible. The challenge comprises two rounds issued by the lifelogger: an expert round and a novice user round. Both rounds consist of 15 tasks within three themes: finding a specific photo, finding as many photos as possible, and question answering. In the expert round, the backend is the most critical factor, while the user interface plays a pivotal role in the novice user round, since participants are encountering the system for the first time. LifeLens is designed and developed to perform well in both novice and expert rounds.

LifeLens 2.0

In collaboration with students from the University of Science at the University of Ho Chi Minh City and Dublin City University, we developed LifeLens 2.0, an innovative lifelog system designed specifically for novice users. Having previously participated in the Lifelog Search Challenge (LSC) 2023 with our initial system, LifeLens, we gained valuable experience and insights into the competition and the requirements of a lifelog system.

Challenges with LifeLens 1.0

During the redevelopment of LifeLens 2.0, we analyzed the previous version and conducted extensive user testing from last year's competition. This helped us identify and address several design and usability issues. The left-side search and filter fields cluttered the interface and distracted users from the main drag-and-drop feature. Users found the day and date selection confusing, and the left side was overcrowded with information, leading to poor space utilization. Additionally, the images were too small, hampering the overall user experience.

Improved design LifeLens 2.0

LifeLens 2.0 features an all-in-one search bar at the top that integrates search functions, filters, and time period selection, making it easy to access at any time. We’ve retained the drag-and-drop function but moved it to the bottom to make the system more intuitive and to provide more space for images. The system has been updated with a new, minimalist yet eye-catching design. The refreshed LifeLens logo is lively and incorporates a camera lens in the center, set against a simple color scheme of whites and grays. The new colors, font family, and element sizes are all designed and implemented according to WCAG standards. This approach keeps the design clean while highlighting the search bar.

 

Learning and networking at ACM ICMR 2024

Participating in both the ACM ICMR conference and the Lifelog Search Challenge was incredibly educational and enjoyable. After extensive user testing and refining our prototype, presenting our system, LifeLens, was a proud moment. We received valuable feedback from users of all levels, particularly novices, which helped us significantly improve the UI and UX. Finishing in 15th place has motivated us to return with an even better system for the next lifelog retrieval search challenge.

During the conference, Julie and Maria had the privilege of volunteering, assisting with technical challenges to ensure the event proceeded smoothly. This role provided a unique perspective on the inner workings of major conferences. Additionally, they engaged in various informative sessions and hands-on workshops, learning from prominent experts and innovators in the industry. Read the conference program here for further information.

Exploring Thailand 

In addition to the conference activities, we got to know teams from different places around the world during the gala dinner. It was exciting and meaningful to talk to other people within the IT field, sharing experiences and insights. We also had the opportunity to explore Thailand, visiting the Phi Phi Islands, Phuket, and Bangkok. We saw monkeys and elephants, ate a lot of Pad Thai, and visited beautiful temples. These experiences enriched our trip, making it not only educational but also culturally immersive and memorable.

 

We have written a research paper titled “LifeLens 2.0: Improving Efficiency and Usability in Lifelog Retrieval Systems through UX/UI Design”. Our experiences at the ICMR conference, the Lifelog Search Challenge, and our adventures in Thailand have not only enhanced our professional skills but also provided us with lifelong memories and connections. We hope to participate in next year’s conference in Chicago and further improve LifeLens. 

 


Publisert: 4. juli 2024
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