Grant: College and Community Innovation Program

Algonquin College, the largest college in Eastern Ontario, provides education and training to 16,000 full-time and 35,000 part-time and continuing education students in the Ottawa Valley. It offers approximately 140 programs at three campuses (Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth) in a wide variety of subjects: Design & Media; Advanced Technologies; Transportation & Building Trades; Health & Community Studies; Police & Public Safety; and Business & Hospitality. Algonquin also has a strong applied research program in which it collaborates with local, regional and multinational clients such as industry, government, hospitals and community and non-governmental organizations. In this NSERC-funded program Algonquin is working with these clients in the area of User Experience Design to develop products, processes and services with human-machine interfaces that embody key UX design attributes such as conceptual simplicity, conspicuous value, and self-evident operation. Development of products with enhanced capabilities will improve their competitiveness, strengthen Canada's participation in the key science & technology priority of information and communications technology (ICT), and bring economic and social benefits to Canada. The Ottawa region has a strong ICT sector that in the last few years has struggled. Many small companies have arisen from the demise of larger firms and these companies do not have the resources they need to develop their ideas in a timely. Through this program, Algonquin is able to provide applied research services to this undersupported industrial sector. In addition to applied research support, Algonquin is also helping its clients develop stronger businesses through the provision of business development services. Innovation is an important aspect of Algonquin College, and this program is extending the College's reputation for excellence in this area.