PhD Studentship in “Design as communication: product aesthetics, semantics
and symbolism”
As consumers interact with designed products (including software, systems
and services) they form interpretations that influence how they think, feel
and behave. At a basic level, such interpretations are based on form and
functionality, whilst more complex responses include assessment of the
values that products are seen to embody and judgements on the cultural
associations that they evoke. Mindful that people attach such meanings to
products, designers may form intentions that the products they design will
be interpreted in particular ways, and these intentions shape the products
that result. Whilst, to varying degrees, consumer interpretation may
correspond with designer intent, interpretation may also differ from
intention in many unanticipated ways.
This research project will investigate the relationship between designers’
intentions and consumers’ interpretations. It is proposed that the research
includes (but need not be limited to) longitudinal studies that track the
‘meaning’ of products from project inception through the processes of
negotiation, design, manufacture, distribution, retail, purchase, usage,
storage and disposal. By studying how designers and consumers relate to
particular products, such work is intended to generate knowledge that
informs design practice.
Applications are invited from candidates irrespective of their disciplinary
or professional background. An interest in ideas along with the ability to
develop and express them is essential. Confidence in establishing and
maintaining industrial and academic contacts would be beneficial.
The studentship is for a period of three years preferably commencing 1
October 2008, subject to satisfactory progress and the regulations of the
University of Cambridge. For exceptional candidates, funding by EPSRC can be
made available at the home student rate, as well as payment of University
and College fees. For EU, non-UK students, this studentship will pay fees
only. For more information see:
http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/gsprospectus/applying/costs.html
Please forward your CV, letter of application and one piece of example
written work to Dr Nathan Crilly, Department of Engineering, Trumpington
Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, (Tel +44 (0)1223 748244, Fax +44 (0)1223 332662,
email [log in to unmask]). Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Terry
Dickerson, Tel +44 (0)1223 764097, email: [log in to unmask]
PhD Studentship in “Graphic elicitation: visual communication in qualitative
research”
In many qualitative research disciplines, ideas are expressed in the form of
drawings, diagrams, charts and graphs. These visual representations may be
produced either by the researcher or by the research subject, and can vary
from quick informal sketches to carefully considered formal renderings.
Whatever their origin and form, such graphic artefacts help people to think
about their ideas and to communicate those ideas to others. For example, in
interview-based studies, researchers may present their own ideas to the
interviewee, or ask interviewees to draw their own graphics. In either case,
the objective is to elicit contributions from people that could not be
obtained through entirely verbal exchanges.
This research project will investigate the conception, development and use
of visual representations in research. It is anticipated that the project
will be interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on, for example, technology
practices (for their formal representations of concepts), the arts (for
their focus on graphic clarity) and the social sciences (for their focus on
human communication). By exploring and integrating the knowledge and
techniques of these disciplines, the study will investigate what is involved
in using visual representations in qualitative research, and provide
guidance on how such research might better be conducted.
Applications are invited from candidates irrespective of their disciplinary
or professional background. An interest in ideas along with the ability to
develop and express them is essential. Confidence in establishing and
maintaining industrial and academic contacts would be beneficial.
The studentship is for a period of three years preferably commencing 1
October 2008, subject to satisfactory progress and the regulations of the
University of Cambridge. For exceptional candidates, funding by EPSRC can be
made available at the home student rate, as well as payment of University
and College fees. For EU, non-UK students, this studentship will pay fees
only. For more information see:
http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/gsprospectus/applying/costs.html
Please forward your CV, letter of application and one piece of example
written work to Dr Nathan Crilly, Department of Engineering, Trumpington
Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, (Tel +44 (0)1223 748244, Fax +44 (0)1223 332662,
email [log in to unmask]). Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Terry
Dickerson, Tel +44 (0)1223 764097, email: [log in to unmask]
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