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What we do
The Interaction Design Centre (IDC) is an inter- and trans-disciplinary research group within the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at the University of Limerick, Ireland. Established in the late 1990s by Professor Liam Bannon, the IDC has become a world-leading research centre in the fields of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), and ubiquitous computing.
Now, over 30 years later, the IDC continues to champion a human-centred and participatory approach to the research and design of new digital and interactive technologies, with a renewed commitment to sustainability and inclusion. The Centre’s work spans a broad range of application areas, computing paradigms, and design approaches—reflecting its rich history and the vibrant, diverse competencies of its members.
Competencies
Members of the group bring a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds and expertise, including: Human Computer Interaction, Media studies, Software engineering and Electronics, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology and ethnography, Science and Technology Studies, Philosophy, Communication and media studies, Information systems, Art and design
Computing paradigms
IDC research engages with several emerging computing paradigms, including:Mobile and web computing, Tangible computing, Augmented and virtual reality, Wearable computing, Digital fabrication, Internet of Things (IoT), Embedded systems, Artificial intelligence, etc.
Research and design approaches
The IDC champions a variety of design approaches, such as: Interaction and experience design, Human-centred design, Participatory and collaborative design, Critical and Speculative design, More-than-human design
Application areas
Our research spans a wide range of application areas, including (but not limited to): Healthcare and wellbeing, Inclusion and Neurodiversity, Museums and cultural heritage, Education, Sustainability, Public and community spaces, Games design and development
Pedagogy
We draw on over 30 years of experience in researching and teaching within the multidisciplinary domains of: Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Participatory and Collaborative Design, research through design. Our pedagogical approach is informed by diverse disciplines such as applied psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, political science, ecology, and more.