Field of Study:
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Optometry, Psychology, Healthcare related fields
Department:
Electrical and Computer Engineering; Optometry
Rank of Student:
Juniors and Seniors
Desired Majors:
Optometry; Nursing; Human-Computer Interaction; Rehabilitation Sciences; Psychology
Hours per Week:
12
Compensation Type:
Academic Credit,
Salary / Stipend
Application Deadline:
Contact:
Dr. Walter Wu (wu.6239@osu.edu) & Dr. Marco Brocanelli (brocanelli.1@osu.edu)
Private
Public
Project Description
This research aims to address transportation challenges faced by persons with visual impairments by developing accessible and trustworthy autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies. The project focuses on two primary objectives:
Wayfinding Assistance: Developing technology to help visually impaired individuals locate an AV upon arrival. This involves creating a system where both the AV and the user's smartphone utilize a common SLAM-based map for precise localization, providing step-by-step guidance through vibration or voice feedback.
In-Ride Feedback: Designing clear in-car announcements to keep riders informed during their journey, thereby reducing anxiety and enhancing trust in AVs. Feedback may include event-based updates (e.g., "We are turning onto High Street") and periodic notifications with points of interest.
The selected student will primarily assist in recruiting participants and conducting interviews and focus groups to gather user feedback. This will involve engaging with the visually impaired community to understand their needs and preferences, which will inform the development of AV technologies.
Wayfinding Assistance: Developing technology to help visually impaired individuals locate an AV upon arrival. This involves creating a system where both the AV and the user's smartphone utilize a common SLAM-based map for precise localization, providing step-by-step guidance through vibration or voice feedback.
In-Ride Feedback: Designing clear in-car announcements to keep riders informed during their journey, thereby reducing anxiety and enhancing trust in AVs. Feedback may include event-based updates (e.g., "We are turning onto High Street") and periodic notifications with points of interest.
The selected student will primarily assist in recruiting participants and conducting interviews and focus groups to gather user feedback. This will involve engaging with the visually impaired community to understand their needs and preferences, which will inform the development of AV technologies.
Additional Information
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in accessibility research or a demonstrated interest in assistive technologies.
Opportunities for publication and conference presentations may be available based on project outcomes.
Opportunities for publication and conference presentations may be available based on project outcomes.
Required Applicant Information
CV
Cover letter detailing relevant experience and interest in the project
Unofficial transcript
Contact information for two references
Cover letter detailing relevant experience and interest in the project
Unofficial transcript
Contact information for two references
Required or Desired Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective participant recruitment and conducting interviews/focus groups.
Experience or coursework in qualitative research methods, including conducting interviews and facilitating focus groups.
Sensitivity and cultural competence when working with individuals with disabilities.
Organizational skills to manage participant schedules and data collection processes.
Basic understanding of data recording and management practices.
Experience or coursework in qualitative research methods, including conducting interviews and facilitating focus groups.
Sensitivity and cultural competence when working with individuals with disabilities.
Organizational skills to manage participant schedules and data collection processes.
Basic understanding of data recording and management practices.
Faculty Member Lead:
Marco Brocanelli; Walter Wu
Starting Semester:
Spring
Length of Project (in semesters):
2