A friend of mine, dr.Sara De Freitas is the director of the Serious Games Institute in Conventry University in the UK. They’re currently looking for PhD students in HCI. I thought this might interest someone currently at ITP and could be added to the opportunities section of the ITP website or sent out to the list. If anyone has questions I can try to put them in touch with her directly.
Best
Gloria Suzie (alum/ 2010)
Fully Funded PHD Studentship in Human Computer Interaction
Duration: 3 years
Fully funding is available to UK an EU applicants
We are seeking a talented and highly motivated individual to award a PhD studentship in User Computer Interaction and interface design within the Serious Game Institute of University of Coventry. This research is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Serious Game Institute and Jaguar.
The work to be carried by the researcher would aim to provide an understanding of the different techniques that would be of interest for sensing the driver’s state, but also include recommendations regarding how this system would be allowed to take a decision and how this decision would be conveyed to the driver.
The study would involve a review of techniques from robotics or aeronautics that would present an interest for monitoring the driver (cameras, 3d cameras, haptic systems, etc.) and whose integration would meet the requirement of a seamless integration into the car interior (A-pillar, driving wheel, seatbelt, etc). A second step would focus on how data from these different sensors could be integrated together to provide a meaningful psychological state of the driver (tired, distracted, anxious, etc), with a special interest on the reliability of this status and what level of accuracy can be reached in discriminating between two different and contradictory states. Another aspect of the study concerns how this status can be used in conjunction to other sensors in the car (GPS, internal chipset, etc.) to provide an accurate and global view of the situation and that can ultimately lead the system to take a decision.
Finally, another important aspect of the research involves the study of how the information should be presented to the user, in terms of the HMI. Electronic systems in cars are increasing in number and complexity, and many efforts must be employed by manufacturers for these systems not to appear as undesirable elements the driver may want to shut down. A special care should be taken upon offering to the driver the most natural ways of interactions with the car, without distracting him from his driving.
The successful student is expected to work at all levels in the Jaguar organization. They will need to be highly creative, with a flair for understanding the user needs. They will be articulate and be able to debate ideas prior to building a prototype solution.
This studentship is available for 3 years and includes an approximate maintenance grant of £12,867 per year, and UK/EU tuition fees. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only open to UK/EU students.
Students should have at least an upper second-class honors degree (ideally a first class degree), or a combination of qualifications and/or experience equivalent to that level. Ideally, students should have a BSc or MSc degree in computer science, and experience in user-interface design issues.
Successful candidates ideally demonstrate:
• Good Programming Skills (C++, java)
• Creativity coupled with the ability to generate practical outcomes from technical and field research
• The ability to disseminate research findings for scientific publication is a requisite.
• Ability to work with a small commercial company that is growing rapidly in a fast-moving and dynamic marketplace
• Excellent communication skills are essential, as the candidate will be expected to work with other technologists and collaborate with colleagues and external partners (including the real-world user community) as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Panagiotis Petridis, tel: 024 7615 8251 or Email: PPetridis@cad.coventry.ac.uk Please note that applications sent to this Email address will not be accepted.
Please note that applications sent to this Email address will not be accepted.
To view details of Studentship, please visit the link: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet/d/795
For an application form please visit the link: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet/studentships/a/5763
Complete the application form and return with a covering letter to:
Admission team
Graduate CentreJaguar BuildingCoventry University Priory StreetCOVENTRYCV1 5FBUnited Kingdom
Fax: +44 (0)24 7688 8609 Email: research-apps.pg@coventry.ac.uk