QUT students now have the most advanced and interactive digital campus experience in Australia thanks to a project to transform student services at the university.
HiQ, QUT’s new student services hub, enhances the student experience through a combination of state-of-the-art technology and peer-to-peer support.
A 17.5-metre-wide (42 m2), interactive digital wall is the centrepiece of HiQ, complemented by self-service touchscreens giving students access to a wealth of information from on-campus events to computer availability.
The wall uses ‘gesture and swipe’ interactivity enabled by Kinect cameras, similar to that used in video gaming.
Harnessing software used by global companies including Mercedes-Benz and Segaworld Japan, the screen is designed to maximise interactivity between people and digital content.
Several students can interact with it at once, and the wall will also showcase student work and opportunities, like testimonial videos from those on overseas exchanges. The displays can sync with more than 200 digital screens across QUT’s three campuses.
A new mobile app and refurbished student website have also been rolled out with HiQ, and student concierges are available to help with inquiries.
In the future, the HiQ experience may include interacting with Pepper, QUT’s latest robot recruit and the world’s first personal humanoid robot that can recognise emotions.
Created by SoftBank Robotics, Pepper joins QUT as part of a $1.5 million social robotics research program funded by the State Government’s Advance Queensland initiative.
QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Technology, Information and Library Services, Judy Stokker, said HiQ represented a new era for student engagement.
“HiQ is a one-stop shop for students to access information and services in a seamless and streamlined way,” she said.
“We have consulted students throughout the process and delivered a student-centred approach that meets the needs of the modern student.”
Ms Stokker said QUT is also concurrently working with Eight Inc., designers of the original Apple Store experience, to reimagine and design the future state of the student engagement experience.
“HiQ focuses on student services through mobile first, smart search capability, and interactive displays. More complex needs will continue to be supported via chat, phone and face-to-face interactions,” she said.
“Our physical spaces are vibrant and assist and engage students, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their QUT experience.”
The digital wall, housed within the V Block library at QUT’s Gardens Point campus, was designed and built by audio visual specialists Corporate Initiatives. The software was developed by Videro.
A second HiQ service point, including a digital wall, is located at the R Block library at Kelvin Grove campus. The HiQ service is also available to students at QUT’s Caboolture campus.
Media contact:
Rob Kidd, QUT Media, 07 3138 1841, rj.kidd@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
