Investigating AI-Driven Personalisation and Generative Design Techniques for Enhanced UI/UX in Digital Health Interfaces

Summary

This project is focused on making digital health tools more effective by personalising them to better meet individual needs. As digital health apps and platforms become more common, there’s a growing need to create interfaces that are not only easy to use but also engaging and impactful. Research shows that when digital health tools are personalised, people are more likely to use them and see better health results.

The project will use advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and GenAI to create and evaluate designs for healthcare. They could also include multimodal interactions to develop health interfaces that can adapt to individual users. This means the tools will become smarter over time, tailoring information and support based on each user’s unique needs. These innovations are in line with current trends in healthcare and technology, where the focus is shifting towards more personalised and user-friendly solutions.

A key aspect of this project is its focus on the user, particularly groups like pregnant women and new mothers, ensuring that the technology is designed to meet the specific needs of diverse populations. By taking a user-centered approach, the project aims to develop digital health interventions that are both useful and meaningful.

The potential reach of this project is significant, as the personalised techniques developed could be applied to a wide range of health apps and platforms, benefiting millions of people. Additionally, the project brings together experts from different fields—technology, healthcare, and user experience—allowing for a truly collaborative and innovative approach.

In summary, this project has the potential to improve the effectiveness of digital health tools, making healthcare more personalised and accessible for everyone.

Proposals should consider:

1. How can personalisation techniques enhance user engagement and health outcomes in digital health interventions?
2. What role can AI and generative AI play in evaluating and creating user interfaces for digital health applications, and how does it impact design quality?
3. To what extent do personalised digital health interfaces meet the specific needs of different user groups (e.g., pregnant women, older adults, neurodiverse individuals), and what are the challenges involved?

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.