Meet Dr Emilene Zitkus
Emilene is a lecturer in Inclusive Design, User Experience, and User Centred Design. She discusses her research in the field of inclusive design, user experience and human computer interaction, plus her role as a PhD supervisor.
The themes of my research have been explored in the context of digital interfaces, healthcare services and product development, as well as their applicability in cross-cultural contexts, and I have been particularly interested in the following three topics of research.
The first research stream looks at the intersectionality and use of technology among older adults in different contexts, including contexts of inequalities. It explores digital challenges, barriers and needs of older adults when using new technology and digital resources. The second examines ways to improve interfaces of technology connected to healthcare provisions to support Healthy Ageing. It looks at IoT, Smart Homes and digital interface for healthcare monitoring. This research contributes to the knowledge on interaction design of equitable interfaces. The third research theme focuses on the applicability of inclusive design (ID) tools/methods/techniques in design practices. This theme draws on current literature on design processes, design activity, and design-for-all/universal/inclusive design methods and tools, in particular, interactive ones (including the possibilities of mixed reality and augmented reality). It contributes to the development of ID tools more adequate to practice-related contexts.
The work conducted by Professor John Clarkson and Professor Patrick Langdon influenced me before I started my PhD research with them in Cambridge, also the work of Mrs Colette Nicolle (my first contact with inclusive design here in Loughborough 15 years ago.) I cannot think about the benefit technology can bring to our lives, without considering different realities, contexts and social inequalities. I think that design can be a powerful tool to enable a wide range of people to participate more in our societies, but it must be adequate/adaptable and INCLUSIVE.
As a supervisor, a PhD student can expect me to provide guidance with their research. The ownership of the PhD is of the student, so being proactive is key not only for the PhD but for professional life. You should be organised and hard working during the doctoral research period. I like to have weekly short meetings with my PhD students during the first year; as the research develops and the PhD candidate is more confident, the meetings can be every fortnight or monthly. It is always good when the student presents their development in the meetings and has a plan of what to do next – being proactive – as well as questions or doubts related to the research.
My current PhD students are collaborating with the Design for Inclusivity Master module, which is an academic development opportunity. They can also join the HEPSU research group and participate in discussions to learn from each other. I always encourage students to publish their initial literature review and initial findings in conferences and later, as the findings expand and become more robust, in scientific journals. I support them, by helping to find most appropriate conference or journal, as well as reading and making comments or suggestions in sections of their articles. In terms of receiving advice and support in pursuing an academic career, our PhD students can take a variety of courses provided by the Doctoral College, as well as get involved in supporting teaching in the School. Both are excellent ways to develop skills and enhance CVs for future academic careers.
Doctoral education is always changing, and with it the demands upon supervisors. The international research projects I am involved with, the connections I have with national and international research centres and research councils, as well as with industry, all contribute towards keeping me up-to-date so that my supervisions are well supported.
If you are considering an academic career, then a PhD is expected to demonstrate your research skills, management and contribution to intellectual knowledge. Also, there are several great opportunities in industry, in research and development departments and research centres in which a PhD is required.
My advice to anyone considering a PhD in this are is to be prepared to immerse yourself in the literature of inclusive design and digital skills – reading high quality research articles is essential for a good PhD. Also, plan your research, thinking about the research questions you want to respond to and the methodology to be used on it. When planning your research, have a plan A, B and C, so that if you face some barriers to conduct the research in one way, you do have other options. Last, but not least, think about an area that you would be happy investigating as PhD has its ups and downs, but you will be fine if you are happy with the topic.