Studentships available at IDC

Research Studentships at the Interaction Design Centre, University of
Limerick, Ireland

The Interaction Design Centre at the University of Limerick (Ireland) is an
interdisciplinary research group in the Department of Computer Science and
Information Systems focused on the design, use and evaluation of information
and communications technologies. The focus is on human-centred design, with
a strong interest in collaborative settings, exploring the design and use of
novel interactive and communicative artefacts to support human activities.
Several national and international research projects currently investigated
at the IDC focus on topics such as ubiquitous computing, interaction design,
haptic and auditory interfaces, interactive installations in public spaces
and computer-supported cooperative work.
The Centre is offering 2 full-time Master's research studentships on a newly
funded Science Foundation Ireland research project -"Re-Shaping Spaces in
Places for Nomadic Users of Interactive Artefacts" The project is led by
Luigina Ciolfi, IDC, and also involves Prof. Liam Bannon, Director, IDC.

Duration: 2 years, starting October 2004
Salary scale: Standard SFI Rates (approx. E17,000-E18,000 per annum
including fees, depending on experience).

The research will investigate how to take seriously the specific features of
locations - their history, architectural features, use by various groups,
changing nature over time periods, etc. can affect the provision of
location-based services for mobile workers who traverse these places. The
project will explore the work practice of nomadic users and will seek to
identify requirements for the design of mobile technologies based on
people's use and experience of place. Prototypes of interactive artefacts
will be developed and tested throughout the project.

We are seeking two candidates for the position of research assistant willing
to pursue a Masters of Science on the project.
One Masters Student will be concerned with the technical development of the
project, the exploration of mobile technologies to support nomadic workers
and dynamically adapt to a variety of workplaces. The other Masters Student
will be involved in conducting field studies, analysis, and developing
design workshops involving end-users.

Successful applicants will join a highly skilled and motivated team of
researchers in the IDC who are conducting research at the boundaries of
human-computer interaction, creating novel environments that merge our
physical and digital worlds.

Applicants should submit a full CV (electronic or paper version) by July
15th 2004 to
Ms. Anne Murphy,
Interaction Design Centre,
University of Limerick, Ireland
email: anne.murphy@ul.ie

Each application must indicate the key area and topics that the candidate
is interested in, and describe their research background and interests in
that area and topic. Candidates should be available for interview during
August.

Candidates are expected to have at least a 2.1 Honours Degree or equivalent
in a relevant subject. Familiarity with HCI and Interaction Design theory
and practice is an advantage. Conditional awards can be made if students
have yet to receive their final degree classification.
Candidates who wish to discuss these positions may contact Luigina Ciolfi by
email at luigina.ciolfi@ul.ie

For more information on the Interaction Design Centre, please visit our
website at www.idc.ul.ie.