Lecture Prof. dr. Steve Hodges: Beyond the prototype - turning device concepts into viable low volume products

Lecture organized on the occasion of Prof. dr. Steve Hodges’ honorary doctorate at Hasselt University, in recognition of his pioneering contributions to human-centred interactive technologies, and for uniting scientific excellence, engineering innovation, and societal impact while inspiring millions of children worldwide to explore computing and digital creativity. His landmark projects include the BBC micro:bit, Microsoft SenseCam and Azure Sphere and Jacdac.

In a world with some globally-successful digital devices, we should remember that individuals are unique and scenarios of use evolve. To support these diverse and evolving needs, researchers and enthusiasts alike regularly develop and evaluate innovative alternatives, leveraging a range of easy-to-use and low-cost prototyping tools and platforms. The resulting ‘long tail’ of hardware device concepts inevitably includes some that warrant further research and development. Unfortunately, identifying these and then evolving them beyond one-off prototypes can be surprisingly difficult.

In this talk prof. Hodges will discuss a new paradigm for digital device innovation called isotyping that centres on a development phase straddling prototyping and production. The resulting isotypes are designed to be built and deployed in tens, hundreds or thousands of units. These reliable, reproducible artifacts enable innovators to collect real-world data and user feedback at a scale that usefully informs next steps. Isotypes also support a natural progression to viable low-volume production, providing the prospect of a long tail of digital devices that better meet our unique and evolving needs.

 Bio Steve Hodges

Steve Hodges creates new devices that change what people do with technology. As an internationally renowned researcher with an outstanding track record of real-world impact, he works at all scales from prototype to production, spanning domains including consumer electronics, education technology, healthcare, assistive technology, and industrial automation. His work has contributed directly to millions of devices with tens of millions of users and has influenced the evolution of systems used by many more.

After two decades at Microsoft Research, Steve joined Lancaster University, where he is now Distinguished Professor in the school of Computing and Communications. There, he continues to work on easing the device innovation process and accelerating the path from ideas to impactful technologies. He is also a passionate advocate and communicator of all things tech.

Where?
Campus Diepenbeek (auditorium will be announced to all registered people closer to the event)

Programme
10:00AM Welcome with coffee & tea
10:30AM Guest lecture

Registration?
Participation is free, but registration is mandatory before the 22nd of May: you can register here.

More information?
Faculty of Sciences
Prof. dr. Raf Ramakers, DFL (raf.ramakers@uhasselt.be)
Prof. dr. Gustavo Rovelo Ruiz, DFL (gustavo.roveloruiz@uhasselt.be)