Spotlight on... Open Lab
Open Lab is the Human-Computer Interaction & Interaction Design research group at Newcastle University's School of Computing.
19 December 2024
Tell us a little bit about Open Lab.
Open Lab is the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Interaction Design research group in the School of Computing. HCI focuses on how people interact with technology. It is a cross-disciplinary practice that combines understanding people (drawing on social sciences and psychology) with the design of technology, using practices from art/design, computing, and engineering. HCI is linked to jobs such as User Experience Designers (UX designers), usability engineers, or User Researchers.
As part of the School of Computing, we offer an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction. We also manage the Urban Sciences Building Makerspace, and several large EPSRC projects such as the Centre for Digital Citizens project, exploring areas from digital health to how citizens can use technology to improve their lives.
What have been some of your recent highlights?
Open Lab leads a significant regional programme - the Northern Health Futures (NortHFutures) Hub, aiming to enhance health and wellbeing across the North East and North Cumbria. The £4.17m Hub combines the strengths and resources of over 50 partners, including six universities, seven NHS Trusts, industry partners, health and care providers, local authorities, innovation accelerators, and various community organisations.
Another highlight is our custom-made pinball machine, Toon Tilt, designed for the Discover Festival next year. This co-operative two-player pinball machine collects data by asking players multiple-choice questions as they play, offering a fun and unique way to gather information.
What's next for Open Lab?
NortHFutures is currently running funding workshops to allocate £800k for digital health research across the region. This research will focus on addressing regional unmet health and care needs, health inequalities, and digital exclusion.
In Open Lab's research, we are collaborating with a Buddhist community to explore how technology can be integrated into spiritual practice.
We also hope to debut Toon Tilt soon, allowing people to play it in the USB atrium.
Newcastle University has three Aspirational Values (Excellence, Creativity and Impact). How does Open Lab contribute towards these values?
Open Lab's work is incredibly creative. Over the years, we have built an escape room for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, helped the public participate in designing the new Tyne and Wear Metro, and created interactive interior designs like a table runner that moves while you're eating dinner.
The core of Open Lab's work is co-design, meaning we co-create our projects with the people who will use them. This approach has been recognised as excellent beyond academia: we have won two Engagement and Place Awards, been part of the Digital Leaders 100 list, won a Dynamite award for creating PPE during lockdown, and several colleagues have been part of the TechWomen100 list.
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