PhD in Computer Science - The design of responsive electrotactile feedback for human-computer interaction

About the Project

Start date: 01 October 2026 or negotiable

BodyElectric is a new ERC Advanced Grant led by Prof. Stephen Brewster with Dr Euan Freeman in Computing Science at Glasgow University. We are developing novel haptic interfaces that use electrical stimulation of the skin (electrotactile feedback) to evoke new expressive tactile sensations. These interfaces can be used to enhance usability and user experience across a range of new computing contexts and applications.

This PhD will investigate the design of responsive electrotactile feedback for human-computer interaction. Responsive haptic feedback reacts dynamically to user actions, using input sensor data to modulate output parameters, so that users perceive a rich touch sensation that varies across time. This design approach will create more expressive and meaningful haptic interactions, in comparison to typical designs where users experience a predetermined haptic pattern in response to an input action.

Designing quality responsive electrotactile feedback is not straightforward. We need to understand how perception of electrotactile stimulation is affected by active movement of the hand during interaction. Research is also needed to identify effective mappings between input data and electrotactile feedback parameters, to create meaningful touch sensations that make sense for a given input action.

We are looking for candidates with strong undergraduate or masters experience in haptics or human-computer interaction. Applicants should have experience designing and running user studies (e.g., perception experiments, psychophysical studies, usability evaluations) and developing interactive software prototypes. You will have the opportunity to develop your technical and experimental research abilities during the PhD, working with cutting edge hardware and software prototypes developed as part of the BodyElectric project.

Please contact stephen.brewster@glasgow.ac.uk if you want to know more.

How to Apply: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.

Funding Notes

Full 3.5 year  funding (scholarship and stipend) for a UK or EU student.