Mobile technology has enabled users to work, socialize and create anywhere and anytime in a variety of ways. Advancements in mobile multimedia devices and their adoption by a growing number of consumers now allow the delivery of rich user experiences. Various network technologies and protocols such as GSM, WiFi, and BlueTooth provide a range of connective possibilities that enhance social networks among mobile users. This infrastructure provides a vast potential research field and market for innovation in user experience through software and hardware development.

Partnerships between academic institutions and commercial stakeholders provide an excellent opportunity to innovate in this highly competitive and expansive field. In 2005 OCAD established the Mobile Experience Lab to pursue research projects that bring together art practice, design and research methodology with software and hardware engineering capabilities.

The Lab has initiated a range of research projects that innovate in the areas of user interface, locative experiences, collaborative games, augmented reality narratives.

Methodology

The discovery of new product concepts and ensuring real-world results that support user-defined needs and desires requires that the Lab employ a series of innovative methodological approaches. These research methodologies are woven into the fundamental design process for applications and technology: in the design and

Participatory Design has been adopted as a core methodology at the Lab in the development of mobile experiences. Users are brought in from the beginning of the concept and design stages and are consistently consulted during this iterative design and engineering process. Key learnings are gathered from user involvement in this process including interface design issues, content development to functionality innovation.

Design charrettes and think tanks have also been used extensively throughout all Lab projects to bring together and maximize the potential of researchers, designers and engineers from across Canada. These intensive workshops consolidate, in collaborative approach, the many strengths across institutions, disciplines and skill sets. Brain, body and location storming techniques, used as a principal method in these charrettes, have also proven invaluable in the discovery of user perspectives. Collaborative freeform activities, both in studio and on location, are organized to conceptualize user needs.

The Lab, through its ongoing projects, will continue to develop research and design methodologies that focus on content creation and product innovation.

Engagement with the Public, the Research Community
and Industry Stakeholders

Researchers at the OCAD Mobile Experience Lab have participated in and organized conferences, workshops and public demonstrations of working prototypes. Global Heart Rate: Iterative, Locative and Interdisciplinary Design Strategies was presented at the Canadian Communications Association Learneds Conference. A hands-on demonstration and presentation of Park Walk and Alter Audio was delivered at the Canadian Film Centre's Habitat New Media Lab. Public demonstrations have been held at OCAD.

OCAD, in partnership with the Design Exchange, also is planning multiple panel discussions in 2007-8 with industry stakeholders. In order to engage leading-edge independent artists, designers and producers workshops have been slated for 2007-8 with cultural sector partner, InterAccess.