Students learn from Human Computer Interaction specialist Scott Mackenzie
The next generation of Human-Computer Interaction specialists have gathered at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
UCLan played host to 30 PhD students from around the UK for a one-off event to work with I. Scott Mackenzie, a global expert in the field of HCI from York University in Toronto, Canada.
The students from universities including UCLan, Lancaster, Nottingham Trent and Napier were given invaluable advice from Scott on the best ways to conduct research into HCI through their own direct observations or by conducting experiments with computer users.
"We want to bring future IT professionals together. We’re also planning to host guest events with mystery business people and take trips to various companies so that students get to mix with industry professionals as much as possible."
Scott commented: “The seminar examined the scientific foundations of experimental research, the rudiments of designing and conducting an experiment, and the tools and procedures for hypothesis testing. ”
The event, which was funded by the BCS and the Royal Academy of Engineers, also included the launch UCLan’s Computing Society (a BCS Student Chapter).
Society Chair and second year software engineering student Douglas Harris said: “We want to bring future IT professionals together. We’re also planning to host guest events with mystery business people and take trips to various companies so that students get to mix with industry professionals as much as possible.”
The Human Computer Interaction PhD Symposium was run by the UCLan Child-Computer Interaction group, which is the largest group of its kind in the world. Dr Dan Fitton, senior lecturer in interaction design at UCLan and event organiser, added: “These kind of events are hugely valuable as they bring together PhD students working in the same area, along with helping them develop and refine research skills.”
