Student Scholarship: $10,000

Available: June 2006

 

The project involves researching and developing a novel user interface for video analysis software. This software should be designed for people to collect observational data from user studies.

 

The project involves:

1. Examination of the user model for observational analysis tools, and making recommendations.

2. Developing a novel user interface for performing video analysis

3. Developing an intuitive interface for querying and exporting data

 

The successful applicant will have skills in HCI design, and be familiar with methodologies for obtaining metrics for the quality of user experience, and have some familiarity with programming in C#/.NET using Visual Studio 2003-2005.

 

Scholarship funding is available for up to 2 years at $10,000 NZ per year.

 

Student Scholarship: $9,000

Available: May 2006

 

This project involves research into the next generation of mobile phone interface and how it could be used to enhance face to face and remote collaboration. Some of the topics that will be explored include the use of spatial interface metaphors, Augmented Reality, computer vision and other leading edge interface technologies.

 

The successful student will have good programming skills in Java, C++ or C# and an interest in developing applications for mobile devices. Prior experience with Windows CE/Windows Mobile or the Symbian OS is an advantage.

 

Project funding is available for nine months at $9,000, and there may be an opportunity for follow-up funding.

 

Student Scholarship: $5,000

Available: June 2006

 

This project involves researching novel user interfaces for GPS system, particularly in-car navigation systems. Topics that could be explored include the use of touch screen input and haptic feedback, image projection onto the car windshield and voice control.

 

Skills needed include an interest in user interfaces, some programming skills in Java, C++ or C#, and undergraduate computer science or engineering training. Prior experience with GPS systems, industrial design or Windows Mobile/Windows CE development is an advantage.

 

A scholarship of $5,000 is available for a graduate student for a year’s research.  

 

Student Scholarship: $4,000

Available: June 2006

 

The project involves research into the use of Augmented Reality (AR) on a mobile phone. The HIT Lab NZ has AR software that will run on current mobile phones. We are interested in exploring how to optimize computer vision algorithms for mobile Augmented Reality and future applications, especially in the digital new media area.

 

Skills needed include programming skills in C++, graphics development with OpenGL and an interest in mobile user interfaces. Familiarity with Windows Mobile or Symbian OS development and computer vision would be an advantage.

 

This is short term project with $4,000 of scholarship funding available, however it is likely that the project will continue for another year with more funding, so this would be ideal for a graduate student.

 

Student Scholarship: $5,000

Available: June 2006

 

This research project involves exploring how mobile phones can be used as a tool to support asynchronous messaging and file sharing in a sub-urban community. We want to move beyond simple SMS messaging and develop software that can wirelessly exchange data between phones and Bluetooth access points, enabling people to seamlessly interact with their smart environments in an intuitive manner. The focus is on using mobile devices to build local communities.

 

Skills needed include programming with C/C++ or Java, web backend development, and an interest in learning Bluetooth programming. Familiarity with embedded systems and hardware design could be an advantage.

 

This is short term project with $5,000 of scholarship funding available, however it is likely that the project will continue for another year with more funding, so this would be ideal for a graduate student.

 

Student Scholarship: $10,000

Available: July 2006

This research project involves assisting in the development of a 3D virtual video capture system and exploring how this system can be used in a creative art installation. The HIT Lab NZ is developing an Augmented Reality (AR) system that can be used to view virtual video of performers superimposed over the real world. The project will cover several areas of research include 3D object capture using stereo computer vision technology, content creation for AR art installations, interactive authoring, and novel rendering and graphics techniques.

 

Skills needed include experience with computer graphics (OpenGL) and computer vision, modelling, animation and content creation and C/C++ programming. It is unlikely that one student will have all these skills, so a willingness to learn or to work with others will be an advantage.

 

This project has $10,000 of scholarship funding available and would probably be most suitable for a graduate student looking for an interesting thesis topic the crosses between art an science.

Student Scholarship: $3,000

Available: July 2006

 

These scholarships are one year partial fees scholarships for students undertaking graduate (Masters/PhD) research in any area of Interaction Design. The student can decide on their own research topic, but is should involve some area of human computer interaction and be related to a current research area of the HIT Lab NZ.

 

There is no skills requirement, but the student will have to be accepted for graduate study into one of the departments of the University of Canterbury. This scholarship could be granted in addition to another HIT Lab NZ scholarship.