This research explores the potential of augmented reality (AR) in revolutionizing business-to-customer (B2C) experiences, specifically in the fashion industry within the African retail sector. Customers often struggle to envision how products will look or function in their own spaces due to limited differentiation between products or services. Businesses, on the other hand, face increased competition and struggle to capture customer attention. This makes informed purchasing decisions difficult as customers cannot physically examine products or experience services firsthand. This project aims to create an AR-based shopping experience that is both interesting and convenient, by developing an AR application coined "Xperience", designed for facial virtual try-on of various fashion items, including glasses, hats, and face masks. With a focus on young, tech-savvy shoppers and businesses looking for a competitive edge, the goal is to build an AR application that enhances the shopping experience and helps businesses boost their sales through AR features such as customizable color options and gesture-based interaction. An agile scrum framework with a participatory design approach was used in the development of the solution. The implementation was done using Unity Engine, 3Ds Max for 3D models optimization and modeling, Figma, Lucidchart and Photoshop for design, and pattern recognition for face landmark detection and occlusion handling. The user testing conducted with 19 participants confirmed that the application is significant and has the potential to improve customer engagement and satisfaction. However, limitations such as small-scale testing, device compatibility issues, and restricted customization options were identified. By combining research, planning, and hands-on development, this work aims to demonstrate that AR can be a game changer for online shopping. The research has significant implications for increased customer loyalty, increased sales, and a better understanding of the strategic value of AR in e-Commerce in a modern business setting.
There is a growing relevance of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) across diverse domains, but its presence in African universities remains largely confined to computing-related disciplines. This paper presents insights from a panel discussion held at a university in Africa, it brought together faculty members from Physics, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Computer Science with HCI expertise, to explore the awareness, perceptions, and potential applications of HCI in their fields. The discussion revealed limited exposure to HCI concepts, yet highlighted opportunities for improving user experiences in laboratory systems, data interfaces, and digital experimentation tools. We discuss barriers to interdisciplinary engagement, such as curricular silos and resource limitations, and propose strategies for integrating HCI into non-computing science education. Our reflections suggest that promoting HCI dialogue across departments can spark collaborative innovation, enrich research, and enhance the usability of scientific tools and processes in African academic contexts.
User literacy levels significantly impact the adoption of Internet banking applications in Nigeria. Inclusive design principles hold the potential to improve usability for users with low digital literacy, yet this approach still needs to be researched and implemented in the Nigerian banking sector. This mixed-methods study investigates UX design practices in Nigerian banking, evaluating how well current Internet banking systems adhere to inclusive design guidelines. Findings reveal partial adherence, demonstrating both usability strengths and substantial room for improvement to meet the needs of low-literacy users. While design experts demonstrate awareness of inclusive design, practical implementation still needs to be improved. Recommendations include increasing awareness of digital literacy and inclusive design, prioritizing inclusive research with diverse users, and adopting evaluation tools specific to inclusive design to ensure best practices.
This study examines the potential of hybrid solar wind systems as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel generators for women entrepreneurs in northern Nigeria, a region where more than 85 million people lack reliable electricity access. Using a mixed methods approach, the research investigates energy usage patterns, renewable energy awareness levels, and the feasibility of adopting solar-wind hybrid systems among women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Findings reveal that while the national grid remains the primary energy source, 2.2% of 2,537 participants surveyed use wind energy, and 19.3% adopt some form of solar energy. The survey evaluated monthly energy consumption patterns from lower- and middle-income earners, revealing that a smaller percentage (15.6%) spent between N25,000 (USD 16.30) and N50,000 (USD 32.60), while 27.1% spent between N15,000 (USD 9.78) and N25,000 (USD 16.30) on energy every month. This implies that a significant portion of the income generated by women-owned businesses in Northern Nigeria is spent on energy costs rather than being used for business investment readiness activities. The paper highlights the necessity of specific environmental policies, such as local production and circular economy initiatives for solar and wind hybrid materials and pay-as-you-go financing models. The inclusion of vulnerable community groups for gender-sensitive business thinking models will contribute to Nigeria's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering inclusive economic growth. Solar-wind hybrid systems can become a significant alternative to reduce energy poverty and empower women-led businesses by utilising Northern Nigeria's abundant solar radiation and wind speed.
Human-Plant-Computer Interaction (HPCI) is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores the integration of humans, plants, and computational technologies to create innovative, sustainable, and meaningful interactions. This paper presents a thematic-historical review of HPCI, tracing its roots across diverse domains such as bioelectrical engineering, agriculture, art, architecture, and robotics. It also highlights its evolution into modern applications like virtual environments, tangible interfaces, and extended reality. The review reveals HPCI's broad scope, cultural and technological foundations, and capacity to address global challenges, particularly sustainability. While North America, Europe, and Asia - especially Japan dominate the research landscape, contributions from Africa and South America remain limited. This gap underscores the need for a more inclusive approach incorporating diverse cultural and ecological knowledge. This paper identifies key milestones, trends, and interdisciplinary overlaps by examining the field's progression, offering insights into HPCI's potential to enrich human-nature relationships. The paper advocates for a broader definition of HPCI that accommodates regional perspectives and promotes collaboration across disciplines. Future directions include visualizing HPCI's geographical and temporal evolution, exploring researchers' motivations, and fostering contributions from underrepresented regions. These efforts can help ensure that HPCI addresses pressing global sustainability issues and represents the diverse voices and contexts essential for its growth. This review aims to inspire a more inclusive, globally relevant HPCI research community and advance sustainable innovation at the intersection of technology, ecology, and culture.
