We seek an excellent and motivated candidate for a Ph.D. position situated at the intersection of Tangible and Embodied Interaction and Sound Design.
Position
PhD-student
Irène Curie Fellowship
No
Department(s)
Industrial Design
FTE
1,0
Date off
25/02/2024
Reference number
V51.7179
Job descriptionSince their introduction, Tangible and Embodied Interaction have been positioned as alternatives to traditional human-computer interfaces. Now, two decades onwards, technological advancements have led to what is commonly called “The Internet of Things” (IoT), a world in which essentially any artefact in our physical environment can be an entry point into (or exit point from) our digital environment. This shift to networked physical-digital hybrids has created new grounds for leveraging the strengths of Tangible and Embodied interaction. After all, we typically interact in a holistic, multisensory way with our everyday socio-technical, even post-human, ecologies. However, in this, a sensory channel that is underexposed (and under-used) is the auditory channel.
The aim of this research is two-fold. Firstly, it is aimed at investigating how the strengths of Tangible and Embodied Interaction can be capitalized on in a world of systems of interactive, and even smart, things. Second, this research aims to reexamine and redefine the role that sound and sound design play in interactions with systems of physical-digital hybrids. The overarching approach toward the research is that we take an ecological perspective, not regarding interaction in isolation but rather as something that is holistic, changeable, and unstable.
Through series of research-though-design activities you contribute knowledge, methodology, as well as experienceable exemplars of ecologies of tangible interfaces that benefit from the use of sound. These serve to provide new starting points for the field of (interaction) design so that it can give shape to the interactions with our future smart environments beyond traditional Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The results from this research could feed into a variety of domains including, smart home interaction, future work situations, data sonification, self-care for the elderly, and more.
You are expected to continuously publish your findings in leading international conferences and journals in human-computer interaction throughout the four-year research period.
Job requirementsCandidates should hold a Bachelor's and Master's degree in an area relating to Industrial Design, Sound Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related topic. Any candidate should demonstrate skill in the combination of physical and auditory prototyping, and a strong affinity with research- through-design. All candidates should be proficient in both written and spoken English. Additionally, they should be proactive in collaborating with other Ph.D. students, colleagues, and supervisors from various backgrounds regarding research and education.
Excellence in creativity, autonomy, and dedication are expected personal qualities. A genuine interest in research, familiarity with design thinking, experience in academic writing and publishing scientific research, and experience in collaborative research projects will weigh positively.
Conditions of employmentA meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands- on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.
Information
Candidates will find general information about TU/e and the Industrial Design Department on https: // www. tue.nl/en/.
Specific questions about the project can be addressed to Dr. Ir. Bart Hengeveld (email b.j.hengeveldattue.nl).
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. If you have questions about the application procedure, please contact HR Services Industrial Design, tel. +31(0)40 247 5336, email: HR-IndustrialDesignattue.nl.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:
Applications sent by e-mail will not be accepted.
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.