PhD Stipend in Human-Computer Interaction

PhD Stipend in Human-Computer Interaction

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology (campus Copenhagen), a PhD stipend is available within the doctoral programme Media, Architecture and Design. The stipend is open for appointment from September 1, 2024 or shortly after. The Department of Architecture, Design, and Media Technology has as its goal the development of an innovative cluster of engineering-based environments for education and research which integrate creativity, engineering and technology within the disciplines of architecture, urban design, industrial design, digital design and interactive media. The department is a leading research and educational environment in Denmark that addresses the challenge of the interplay between creativity and technology, and develops new areas in research and education directed towards the end-user.

Jobbeskrivelse
The PhD project is part of the DFF (Independent Research Fund Denmark) granted research project“Audio Only VR for Blind Gamers”. The research project investigates audio-only Virtual Reality for blind gamers, including their needs and interests, diversity in motivation, and usage to better understand options for game design, and provide case-specific immersion, flow, and game satisfaction in at least one experimental audio-only VR game environment.

The main tasks within this PhD project are:

A: Develop new theoretical models for the design of VR games for people with vision disabilities

B: Identify user requirements based on advanced models of personas and scenarios within a VR game development

C: Conduct field studies (observations and interviews) on how, why, and where people with vision disabilities use games and VR

D: Conduct workshops with people with vision disabilities

E: Conduct both qualitative and quantitative evaluations with people having vision disabilities

F: Conduct procedures for advanced validity and reliability checks

The research questions, methodology, and project plan for the PhD-project will be developed through supervision by Associated Professor and Head of Media Innovation& Game Research (Me-Ga) Thomas Bjørner(main supervisor) and Associated Professor Antonia Lina Krummheuer, Dept of Communication and Psychology (co-supervisor). The DFF project is led by Professor Dorte Hammershøi (Department of Electronic Systems).

This PhD project is in very close collaboration with another PhD candidate in the DFF project, with main responsibilities for developing and implementing audio and 3D sound in the VR game.

Qualification Requirements

• It is preferable if applicants can speak and understand Danish, as most users are recruited within a community and center of Danish vision-impaired people.
• Applicants must be able to work interdisciplinary and should bring a curious mindset and strong interest in people with vision disabilities.
• Applicants must demonstrate the ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research. This includes skills in, for example, interviews, observations, thematic analysis and coding, questionnaire set-up, multi-factor analysis or other quantitative analysis (e.g., t-test, Mann-Whitney U), and skills for visualizing data in advanced software programs.
• Good written and spoken English language skills are mandatory for publication purposes.
• The candidate is expected to contribute to educational programs at the Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology.
• The position requires skills in scientific work and publishing.
• The position is located at Aalborg University, campus Copenhagen, but some traveling is expected.

You may read more about the department here: https://www.create.aau.dk/om-create

You may obtain further information from Thomas Bjørner, Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, phone: 61 14 46 01, email: [email protected], concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications, the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure, please contact Ms. Annemarie Davidsen, the Doctoral School at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, email: [email protected].

For more information about the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design: www.phd.tech.aau.dk

The application is only to be submitted online, using the "Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.

Ansøgningsfrist
2024-06-23

Ref. nummer
7-24032

Afdeling
Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology