New editorial team’s debut issue to hit the stands January 2011

Vancouver, BC (January 21, 2011): GRAND researcher Ron Wakkary of Simon Fraser University has been named co-editor of interactions, a bi-monthly publication of the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) on applied computer human interaction. Wakkary will co-edit the influential magazine with Erik Stolterman of Indiana University in the United States.

As new co-editors, Wakkary and Stolterman will continue and strengthen interactions' editorial tradition of covering, from around the world and from an ever expanding cross-section of complimentary disciplines, the latest zeitgeist, trends, research and practices on how and why human beings interact with technology.  Drawing upon distinguished careers in the fields of interaction design and human computer interaction, they will bring their unique design perspectives to the magazine. 

Ron Wakkary is an Associate Professor at Simon Fraser University School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SFU SIAT) and one of 64 principal researchers within the GRAND Network of Centres of Excellence exploring the application and advancement of animation, games and new media in Canada. A distinguished researcher, Wakkary’s primary research is in interaction design with a focus on tangible computing and responsive environments, and the study of “everyday design” in which we all contribute to the ongoing design of artifacts and surroundings.

At SFU SIAT, Wakkary teaches a Sustainability in Design (SID) course geared towards sustainable and ecological practices within the context of interaction design.  Of his many research projects, ec(h)oVUE explores different user-friendly learning and interaction styles and digital tools. Currently piloted at the Surrey Museum and Archives, ec(h)oVUE uses handheld controllers to enhance the museum experience.

As part of the GRAND community, Wakkary is a co-leader on PLAYPR and a member of two other GRAND projects, INCLUDE and DIGLT.

PLAYPR addresses questions of interface in the context of game design, interactive museums and cultural installations.  Through spatial and gestural play, PLAYPR looks at how we use both the space around us as well as devices, such as controllers or joysticks, to play, learn and be entertained. PLAYPR also delves into the largely underexplored area of vocal or audio play.

Starting with play and performance as core modes of interaction through and with technology, PLAYPR asks a number of questions. How can we create and innovate around different types of play/performance in new media design? How can we use the space around us differently? What will the next generation of handheld devices look like? How will content adapt to this new paradigm?

One need only look at the explosive popularity of Wii technology to see the potential of this research area. Wii games have clearly demonstrated a novel use of space as applied to game play, education and entertainment and Wiimotes have redefined hardware.

interactions is a magazine of timely articles, stories and content related to the interactions between experiences, people, and technology. Not surprisingly, it appeals to an audience of researchers and practitioners in a diverse range of disciplines including programming, game and graphic design, user interface, human computer interaction (HCI) and psychology.

interactions readership is reflective of the changes in the computing industry, which has evolved significantly from the days when design and usability principles were called upon only after software was written, if at all. Today, the industry is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach where human computer interaction and interaction design are foundation blocks upon which digital products and services are built.

These and other topics will be covered in interactions. GRAND researchers are invited to share their research and practices with the magazine. Submission requirements are posted on the interactions website.

GRAND is a research network and commercialization engine whose goal is to address complex issues in digital media and transform multidisciplinary research into user-centred solutions. GRAND explores the use and application of digital media in a variety of settings including entertainment, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability and public policy. Through technology solutions, training the next generation of talent and encouraging a robust policy environment, GRAND plays a pivotal role in supporting Canada’s National Digital Economy Strategy.  

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Grace Battiston
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