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The Interaction Design Research Group at the Open University takes a bottom-up approach to designing and deploying computing technologies for real-world needs and activities – whether in homes, hospitals, museums, or cities. This allows us to empower end-users and encourages their engagement with such technologies.

We specialise in novel interfaces (e.g., haptics, wearables, embedded technologies), the integration of technology into activities (e.g., music making, healthcare, working with animals), and effective design practice. Distinguishing features of our research are a methodological focus on understanding technology in context in-the-wild, and co-designing with the direct beneficiaries of the technologies, often in challenging circumstances.

Opportunities

We are regularly recruiting post-doctoral researchers and PhD students who have an interest in human or animal computer interaction and design. We expect the successful candidates to be highly motivated, collaborative, independent, and with outstanding CVs. You can see the full list of PhD Project ideas at: the PhD project proposals site.

If you are interested in finding out more please contact the head of the group, Dr Daniel Gooch at Daniel.Gooch@open.ac.uk.