Former NASA consultant’s workshop is ‘out of this world’

A former NASA consultant, who has developed systems for astronauts in space, visited computing students at Tameside College recently to talk about her career in human computer interaction.

Dr Elizabeth Buie, who now works as a senior user experience consultant for Sigma UK, discussed creating more user friendly products such as websites and operating systems and the rules of user experience design.

During the workshop students were given the task of re-designing an existing app or website to make it easier for users to navigate.

Elizabeth began her career in the digital industry in 1975. Since developing an interest in human computer interaction she has completed several degrees and a PHD in the subject. Elizabeth also designed the computer system for part of the international space station for NASA.

Safdar Ali, computing teacher at Tameside College, said:

“Hearing Elizabeth speak was a brilliant opportunity for our students to learn. The experience and knowledge that she shared is invaluable in helping them to develop a career of their own. She has been working in this area for over 40 years, so it’s a great privilege to have her with us. Thank you to Manchester Digital and Sigma for organising this event.”

The workshop and talk forms part of a series of events delivered by Manchester Digital, an organisation promoting coding and digital careers, and Tameside College which enables students to gain an insight into the industry.