Interactive storytelling to support cancer patients

Background

Today, there are an estimated 2.5 million people living with cancer in the UK, and this number is set to rise to 4 million by 2030. Treatment is improving and people live longer after cancer treatment than ever before. However, cancer is a difficult disease to understand, and options for treatment are similarly complex. Different treatments carry different risks and consequences, and those consequences can be both short-term and long-term.

www.macmillan.org.uk

The project

This project will explore the use of interactive storytelling to provide key information sets to cancer patients in engaging, accessible and impacting ways. We will develop interactive stories that help patients understand cancer and treatment options.

To do this we will draw on our expertise in computer games technologies, computer arts and interactive narrative, and combine this with specialist knowledge in cancer and in patients managing long-term health conditions.

Partners

Abertay University will lead this project and will work in partnership with the Universities of St Andrews and York and with Macmillan Cancer Support. Prof. David Harrison (University of St Andrews) will provide cancer biology and medical expertise. Dr Richard Walsh (University of York), will contribute expertise on the role of narrative theory in complex problem domains. Macmillan Cancer Support will provide a wealth of experience in cancer patient care and provide access to patient groups to understand the needs of cancer patients.

The challenges this project presents are both huge and exciting, and we will work with our partners to deliver the interactive stories. We seek applications for the following PhD positions:

1. Narrative Designer: To design and develop narratives for the project. This role will encompass not only narrative design, but also Game Design more generally, and candidates should be able to demonstrate some knowledge of other aspects of Game Design. Candidates should have a background in Game Design or related disciplines, with an emphasis on storytelling and developing interactive narratives.
2. Computer Artist: To design, develop, and implement graphics for the interactive stories. Candidates will have a background in Computer Arts or related disciplines. Skills in digital art production are essential, including knowledge and experience of 2D/3D production methods. Candidates should also demonstrate visual literacy and an appreciation for visual storytelling.
3. Games Technologist: To lead development of interactive narratives making use of game development tools and game engines. Candidates should have a background in Computer Games Technology, Computer Games Development, or related disciplines that focus on software engineering. Candidates should be able to demonstrate proficiency in C++ as a core programming language.

Closing date for applications: 17th July 2017 for 1st October 2017 start.

Each PhD studentship is valued at ~£75,000 with a stipend of £14,553 per year over 3.5 years, and tuition fees, travel and equipment. For further details on the project and how to apply see the HireWire jobs board at:

www.abertay.ac.uk/discover/work-here/jobs/