The division accommodates, besides research and education in interaction
design, also research and education within visualization.
Research
Interaction Design concerns the interaction between
people and products in which information technology is a central
component. This can, for instance, be the design of the complex
interface between the driver and the network of computers controlling a
modern car, the interface and gameplay of modern computer games, the
next generation of mobile communication devices or the integration of
computational technology into our everyday things, such as "intelligent
clothes".
Regardless of application area, a design perspective on
the interaction between people and technology is central. This makes
interaction design an increasingly important area in application and
systems development, as well as in industrial and product design.
The Division of Interaction Design is carrying out research in Visualisation and Digital Representation where the focus is how the digital visual culture is created and interpreted. The research group Mobile Touch
explores new ways to interact with digital content on mobile devices:
design of applications for smart phones and tablets. The research group
in Tangible and Tabletop Computing studies tangible
user interface (TUIs) that allows the user to interact with computers
through familiar tangible objects with the objective to develop and
evaluate rich interfaces capitalizing on human vision, touch, and
hearing, concurrently. The research area Gameplay design
studies how rules and mechanics in games influence player interaction.
The aim is both to contribute to the understanding of how people play
games and how one can design games to encourage specific gameplay
experiences. The research group Applied Robotics in Gothenburg
wants to question technology-driven research and instead seek to
understand robotic solutions in relation to human needs and everyday
practices. The division is also performing research on vehicle interaction interfaces.
Research groups
Education
The division is responsible for the two master's programmes Interaction Design and Technologies at Chalmers and Game Design & Technology (www.gu.se) at University of Gothenburg.
The division also offers courses in Visualization and Digital Movie Making.