Deakin - Coventry Cotutelle - Making Motion Tangible: embodied & critical research at the human-machine interface

This is a doctoral Cotutelle project between Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia).

This is a doctoral Cotutelle project between Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia). The successful PhD Student will be awarded a scholarship from Deakin University with the supervision team being drawn from Coventry University and Deakin University. The PhD Student will graduate with two testamurs, one from Coventry University and one from Deakin University, each of which recognises that the program was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program. The program is for a duration of three years and enrolment scheduled for September 2023 or earlier

A key focal point of research for many industry sectors, including health, entertainment and manufacturing, is how dynamic interaction between the physical and virtual world can take full advantage of the sophistication of human activity. Immersive multimodal haptics, primarily relying on the human senses of touch and motion, form a core part of this research. Driven by the development of the technology with specific industry uses in mind, this research currently lacks adequate experimentation and exploration on the human activity side of the interaction paradigm. 'Making Motion Tangible' seeks to address this gap.

"Making Motion Tangible" aims to engage two researchers, one hosted at the Deakin Motion Lab, Deakin University and the Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE), Coventry University, that are developing complementary research strands.Both strands will explore the application of embodied knowledge and experience in the context of practical experimentation with novel immersive multimodal haptic interfaces aimed at enriching human interactions between the digital and the physical. Prospective candidates should have a background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), media studies, serious games and/or other digital research (including accessible and healthtech) interested in full body movement or embodied design principles. At the same time, candidates might engage with embodied knowledge found in skillful bodily practices such as dance, somatic bodywork, and in some cases crafts. Such practices also facilitate critical questions around accessibility, gender, and ethics, which need fuller consideration in the design and development of human-computer interaction.

The novel interfaces available at the Deakin Motion Lab and C-DaRE include full body haptic and motion tracking suits, Extended Reality devices, and other emerging immersive technologies. Study will start at Deakin University in Melbourne (Australia) immediately explore and work with these interfaces in the first year. This will be followed by a second year at Coventry University (UK) to continue this practical work and engage in analysis and reflection. In the third and final year returning to Deakin University to be supported in comparing and contrasting findings.

The core supervisory teams at Deakin and Coventry are well-positioned to support this learning approach from which both researchers and organisations can expect to benefit.

Applications remain open until a suitable candidate is found

This scholarship is supported by Deakin University, is available over 3 years and includes:

• Stipend of $33,500 per annum tax exempt (2023 rate)
• Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
• International students only:  Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the Australian student visa
• Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years
• Funding to support travel of PhD Student between Deakin University and Coventry University (UK)

To be eligible you must:

• be either a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet the PhD entry requirements of both Deakin University and Coventry University, including English language proficiency requirements
• enrolling full-time
• be able to physically locate to both Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia)

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page and Coventry’s research entry criteria page for further information.