The Interactions Lab Opening

A new purpose-built research space has opened in the centre of Bath to help researchers understand more about human communication and how people interact with technology.

The Interactions Lab, run by the University of Bath’s School of Management, is located at the Innovation Centre in Carpenter House, Broad Quay, and will be working with local people and businesses.

Researchers will be inviting local people, including school children, to get involved in the research through focus groups, interviews and hands-on technology-based activities.

The lab has dedicated computing, video recording and editing equipment; space for focus groups, role-plays and behaviour assessment; and a brightly coloured relaxed seating area for studies with children.

Researchers will be linking with schools to work with children on a project that is to develop new video games for managing conflict resolution. The children will work with software designers in the project funded by the European Union.

Further studies are focussing on how companies use personal information; social networking and virtual communities; and uncovering deception through body language.

Dr Adam Joinson, the lead academic behind the new lab, said: “This is an absolutely fabulous resource that places us in the local and business community. It is the School of Management’s first dedicated research space and its location shows our commitment to working with local organisations. We will be making full use of the networking opportunities provided by the Innovation Centre.”

The lab was opened by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell, on Wednesday 6 October. She said: “This is a really tremendous initiative on the part of the School of Management. To have the Interaction Lab within the Incubation Centre is a really wonderful advance.”

Simon Bond, Director of Incubation & Networks, said: “The combination of researchers focussing on pressing business concerns from a globally high-rated School of Management, with the Innovation Centre’s own client base of fast-moving start-ups is an exciting prospect. We are delighted to welcome them to the centre.”

Research funders already on board include the Technology Strategy Board, the Centre for Defence Enterprise, the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence. Researchers are collaborating with a number of commercial organisations, including British Telecom and Ipsos MORI.