innovationUTAH.com
Linking Utah's Innovation Community
Interactive Design for Instructional
Applications and Simulations (IDIAS Institute)
Team goal
Create a world-class institute that combines the components of simulation, interaction and design to inform technology research and develop commercially viable and innovative products.
Team description
Utah State University’s Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences has partnered with the Department of Art (Graphic and Interface Design Emphasis Area) for the creation of the Interactive Design for Instructional Applications and Simulations (IDIAS) Institute. The IDIAS Institute builds on USU strengths in instructional design, interactive simulations, and interface design to inform technology research and develop commercially viable and innovative products.
A top goal of this team is to develop products to train security, firefighting, medical and other emergency response teams through the design of a comprehensive group of simulations. Expanding upon recent advances in consumer game technology, the team will develop “serious game” environments to increase the effectiveness of first responders’ decision making in real-life emergencies.
Other areas of research for the IDIAS team include using simulation to measure and evaluate environmental changes, improvements to distance education, and the development of instructional materials for certification programs. The IDIAS Institute’s instructional designs, data-driven simulations, interactive immersive graphics, and user-centered interface designs leverage USU’s academic and development strengths within digital media while fostering the University’s mission for educational outreach.