Confirmation Report

I have recently completed my Confirmation of Candidature at the University of Queensland.

Title:
Extensions to User Centred Design (UCD) methods for mobile, group, communication technologies.

Abstract:
This thesis proposes to adapt and supplement existing User Centred Design (UCD) methods for developing mobile, group technologies. Research, analysis and documentation methods are needed to understand behaviour and needs of mobile groups, in order to guide product development. Groups are increasingly using devices primarily designed for one-to-one communication in communal ways and to coordinate multiple people. Group needs are different from individual needs and it will be necessary to have research methods applicable to mobile groups, to design devices to support them. Mobile groups pose a challenge for researchers for many reasons including frequent movement, diverse social settings and complex communication patterns. The main outcomes of this thesis will be research methods specifically designed to study mobile groups. Additional outcomes will be analysis techniques and representation methods developed as a consequence of using and refining them.

Jeff Axup
The Confirmation Report (28 pgs, 1.2M) is available in PDF