Valeria Alessandra Macalupu Chira
Papers
2
Total Citations
7
H-Index
2
About
Valeria Alessandra Macalupu Chira is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, design research, and socially assistive robotics. Her work centers on empowering older adults through participatory co-design, challenging ageist stereotypes by positioning this community as active co-creators of technology rather than passive users. In her highly cited 2024 paper, "Designing the future together" (5 citations), she demonstrates how collaborative designerly approaches can foster responsible innovation and address technological inequities. Her 2022 framework, "Supporting affective connections between older adults through socially interactive robots" (2 citations), provides both theoretical and methodological foundations for designing robots that nurture emotional bonds and habituated imaginaries of future care. Macalupu Chira’s major contribution lies in shifting the power dynamics of technology design—ensuring underrepresented voices shape the robots that will serve them. Her work has been recognized for its impact on inclusive design practices, influencing how researchers and practitioners engage aging populations in meaningful, ethical innovation. Through her participatory methods, she is redefining what it means to design for, and with, older adults.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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