Ergonomics resources for schools

This work experience for students and new graduates in ergonomics, human factors or human-computer interaction, is part of the Design for Real People Campaign (see www.design4realpeople.org.uk) which aims to enhance the human-centred design content in school design and technology teaching.

The work involves human factors product development. We are collecting specifications for games and exercises that will be included on a schools resource website. Therefore if you take up the work experience you will need to get creative and invent ideas for games or exercises that will be engaging for school students but which also will illustrate some important principles of human-centred design. You can produce a description, a user requirements spec, a wireframe, a technical spec or a basic prototype of your idea, depending on how much time you can give to it. You can work on your own or with another student or graduate, and you can be based anywhere, communicating with the Campaign team remotely. We are trying to collect as many specs as possible, so whoever wants to have a go at this will be welcome! The first phase of the work needs to be completed by November 2011, when we will be running focus groups of teachers and students to comment on the ideas, and on their potential to help Design and Technology lessons in schools.

Your reward for your efforts will be work experience for your CV, the gratitude of the Campaign team, an acknowledgement in our publicity, and the possibility of seeing your idea built and published on the website for schools to use.

Contact Rachel Benedyk, UCL Interaction Centre, emaiil r.benedyk@ucl.ac.uk