The Serious Games Institute has been awarded funding to perform a feasibility study into the development of a new app that will support the learning of disabled workers.
The project, which is being led by SGI’s Dr Alex Woolner, involves a partnership between Coventry University-based SGI, developers from its commercial spin-out Serious Games International and Hereward College in Coventry.
Entitled ‘Work Buddy’, the project is one of four awarded funding from the ‘Good to go’ competition run by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and the Technology Strategy Board, which is about increasing independence in unfamiliar environments by giving people easy access to the information they need when they need it.
Dr Woolner said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to engage users in the design of a new digital app, and to develop and address understanding of day to day technology requirements.
“It’s clear that the tools we use to support our everyday work activities are changing, and that short and long term learning plays an important role in today’s evolving workplace. New digital devices and systems should allow for more independent and personalised learning, and this is what Work Buddy aims to deliver.”
The competition is part of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) programme, which encourages technology solutions to specific public sector needs. It is funded by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and the UK’s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board.
The Serious Games Institute was established in 2007 by Coventry University to undertake research into the use of games technology for purposes other than entertainment. Since then, the Institute has grown year on year and developed an international profile, with a broad portfolio of projects.
