PhD User Centred Design - Computer Science

The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has the following vacancy
Two PhD positions in the area of User-centred Design tools and methods (V51.070)
http://vacatures-v2.tue.nl/vacature.aspx?vacaturenummer=V51.070&Taal=EN

You can apply for this job before 31-08-2009
Tasks

The positions have become available through a grant from the Ministry
of Economic Affairs through the Innovation-directed Research Programme
Integrated Product Creation and Realization, for the project
"Resolving the Paradox of User-Centred Design through Flexible
Prototyping". The project involves collaboration with the University
of Twente and several companies. The aim of the project is to develop
a suite of tools for the creation of prototypes and virtual contexts
that will be used by designers in companies to facilitate the dialogue
with users in a collaborative design process. The claim is that the
tools will enable designers in industry to conduct a more effective
and efficient design process. The project will start from existing
versions of tools for creating prototypes and contexts.

The first phase of the project consists of collecting requirements for
prototyping tools from designers in industry and an analysis of tools
and methods that are currently in use. Next, subproject A will focus
on developing one of the tools on the basis of the obtained
requirements (see http://www.vip.id.tue.nl/software.html for an
impression of the tool). Subproject B will focus on defining protocols
for the use of the tools in industry and the evaluation of the tools
vis-a-vis the requirements and the claims. (A third subproject will
take place at Twente University and will focus on a Virtual Reality
tool for creating contexts in which prototypes can be explored). Good
collaboration between the three subprojects is essential to the
success of the project.
Requirements

For subproject A we are looking for a candidate with a master’s in
Computer Science with an affinity towards user-centred design. For
subproject B we are looking for a candidate with expertise in
user-centred design methodology, for instance through a master in
applied cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction or industrial
design, and affinity with technology. Both candidates should be
teamworkers and should be open towards working in collaboration with
industry.
Appointment and Salary

The appointment is for thee and a half years. As an employee of the
university you will receive a competitive salary as well as excellent
employment conditions (including excellent sport facilities and child
care). The research in this project must be concluded with writing a
PhD thesis. A salary is offered starting at EUR 2042,- per month
(gross) in the first year and increasing up to EUR 2612,- per month
(gross) in the last year. Moreover 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end
of year allowance is provided annually. Ph.D. students at TU/e are
appointed as temporary staff members. They are exempted from payment
of tuition fees. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given.
The positions are available from October 1st, 2009.
Information

For information about the content of the project: Dr. J. Terken, phone
+31 (0)40 247 5254, e-mail
j.m.b.terken@tue.nl, and Prof. Dr. Ir. J.B. Martens e-mail
j.b.o.s.martens@tue.nl, Dept of Industrial Design, Technische
Universiteit Eindhoven. Website: http://w3.id.tue.nl/nl/

For information about the position: Ms. J. Braat, personnel
department, Dept of Industrial Design, phone +31 (0)40 247 5883,
e-mail: j.a.c.l.braat@tue.nl.
Application

Please send a written application or e-mail, including a letter
explaining your interest in the project and qualifications, curriculum
vitae and at least two references to the following address:

Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Department of Industrial Design
Attn. Ms. J. Braat, room HG 3.92
P.O. Box 513
5600 MB Eindhoven
The Netherlands
Or by e-mail to:
j.a.c.l.braat@tue.nl

Please refer to vacancy code V51.070