6 April 2012
This is the inaugural blog post for the Centre for Applied Research in Inclusive Arts and Design (CARIAD), Cardiff Metropolitan University.
The overarching aim of CARIAD is to determine practical tools, processes and communication avenues that can lead to sustainable interactive solutions for populations with the severest challenges in daily life as a result of developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities. We are a multidisciplinary team with a focus on provoking social and technological change though inclusive design. Drawing on CARIAD expertise, from product design, psychology, interaction design, performance analysis, creativity and cognition, our ethos is not only to provide new ways of seeing and understanding real world issues, but to create artefacts and environments that implement change. Many exciting projects are underway with partners at three local schools, Ashgrove, the Hollies and Trinity Fields; an FE College, Beechwood; the Touch Trust movement therapy centre and Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Arts. Members of CARIAD have secured a number of funding sources, including AHRC, ESRC, EPSRC, Higher Education Academy, and Technology Strategy Board. Two iPad apps, ReacTickles Magic and Somantics, have been recently released in partnership with software designers Hellicar & Lewis and Marek Bareza.
Centre for Applied Research in Inclusive Arts and Design • Opuss № I