25 May 2011

Physical computing projects built by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) students at The University of Queensland will amuse and inform people from industry, schools and the general public at the annual Interaction Design Exhibit at The Edge, State Library of Queensland next week.

In the Everyday Interactions Inspired by Science Fiction project, eight teams of UQ students have built physical interactive environments as part of their coursework, using a variety of sensor and display technologies.

The projects – ranging from 3D-projection tools to interactive games and innovative applications — will be on display at The Edge next Tuesday.
Bachelor of Multimedia Design student Stephanie Zylstra said her team’s Virtual Interior Design project would revolutionise the interior design market.

“Our tool allows users to place and arrange virtual furniture in a physical space to preview how a room might look without the inconvenience of having to physically arrange each item,” Miss Zylstra said.
Bachelor of Engineering student Harmeet Sanghera said his team’s interactive interpretation of the smartphone game Angry Birds had been months in the making, but would be worth the wait.

“We are building a large in-game slingshot, which when released, projects the trajectory of the bird on the wall,” Mr Sanghera said.

Lecturer Dr Stephen Viller said UQ’s Interaction Design Exhibit provided a great opportunity for students within UQ’s Information and Communications Technology programs to test their skills, while also creating a tangible product for public entertainment.

“The Interaction Design Exhibit allows students to push the limits of their skills and creativity to develop an interactive program which stimulates the public’s imagination,” Dr Viller said.

Date: Tuesday 31 May 2011 Time: School groups: 2pm – 5pm, Industry and Public: 5pm – 7pm. Location: The Edge, State Library of Queensland, South Bank
For more information and to RSVP to this event, click here Media: Stephen Viller (viller@itee.uq.edu.au or 3365 1190) or Madelene Flanagan (m.flanagan@uq.edu.au or 3365 8525)