PhD Study : Lets Play: Interactive Digital Games for children with Cerebral Palsy to enhance collaborative play, social interactions and rehabilitation.

Summary

Introduction In the UK the incidence rate of Cerebral Palsy (CP) is around 1 in 400 births with an estimated 30,000 children with CP in the UK. Cerebral Palsy affects movement and posture causing activity limitation; it is a lifelong condition, with foreseeable complications. Approaches to intervention, whether at an individual or environmental level, should recognise that quality of life and social participation throughout life are what individuals with CP seek, not improved physical function for its own sake.  Psychological wellbeing interventions, including improving self-efficacy, health knowledge, and coping skills, are beneficial.

Collaboration is an important aspect in a child’s growth and is a skill they must hone. The ability for a child to collaborate when they grow up is increasingly important in an era where work is done in teams of people rather than in isolation. Collaboration can be in the form of social interaction, engagement, and cooperative activities. Developing collaboration as a skill allows children to engage with each other. It enables them to discover each other’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and capabilities. In this environment of positivity, self-confidence and self-esteem may be boosted, allowing them to communicate comfortably. Clear and effective communication is a vital skill to convey ideas and messages. Children with CP experience problems with mobility and fine motor control which reduces their ability to participate and collaborate in community and leisure activities with others.  Even how they their condition is perceived by others because of impacted speech or differing movements can also act as a barrier.

Description

This research proposal is concerned about creating interactive digital game systems for children with CP to enhance collaborative play. It could also be used for rehabilitation requirements that an interactive system for children with CP should support: 1) Movement of the shoulder, 2) Pronation or flexion of the wrist, 3) Extension of the fingers, and 4) Smiling or laughing while interacting.  There still exists a gap in understanding how to design systems that can provide sustained interest and motivation in children’s physical rehabilitative exercises.

Objectives

• To review the current state of interactive digital games that allows for collaborative play between children and children with CP
• To understand the usability of current games from an interaction design standpoint?
• How can effective UI/UX design within game design interfaces support accessibility/usability for the child with varying needs.
• To understand the aesthetic, design, and communication preferences of a children with CP?
• To explore how digital games can assist with social interactions and rehabilitation.
• To establish accessible design guidelines regarding games for children with CP.

Supervisors

The supervisors have significant experience in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design and Usability Testing

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living