The design of usable access to a large open microscopy environment

Case for support part 1: Previous track record The team which will undertake this action research project offers an excellent combination of expertise and infrastructure to carry out the work to an international standard. Applied Computing at Dundee, founded in 1980 by Alan F Newell, has a 25 year track record of successful interdisciplinary human computer interaction research. Applied Computing is a pioneer of techniques for eliciting system design requirements for complex circumstances, including the application of computer vision to support independent living; electronic prescribing safety in high stress environments in healthcare; the parameters for acceptability of technological interventions, and optimising complex interfaces to enable interaction. The group has wide experience of interaction design for novel settings, including, for example, space systems, automobile control, electronic prescribing and other healthcare applications, communication systems and cognitive aids for older and disabled people, including ICU patients, word processing for dyslexics, and agent computing. The 50 staff and 20 full time research students taken together provide a rich multidisciplinary mix in a research environment which fosters collaboration and sharing of expertise. Disciplines represented include computer science, psychology, design, mathematics, ethnography and rehabilitation engineering. Applied Computing also has strong research and teaching links with Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design’s Schools of Design, and Television and Imaging. Since 2001 Applied Computing has won over £6m in funding from public and private sector, and charitable sources to further its research.