Investigation of collapse of Florida International University (FIU) pedestrian bridge

This case is useful as a model for institutions creating media labs in small spaces with a limited budget and advances a discussion of effective design among scholars, K-12 educators, a range of industries, and the corporate sector. By addressing how small spaces can function effectively for users, the author encourages representatives from these areas to design media labs in usable ways. The study begins by arguing for a user-centered approach to designing digital media labs in order to engage stakeholders in the design process. Then, the chapter explains the process of how the author engaged users while piloting several iterations of the Florida International University Digital Writing Studio, reporting what was learned about designing the space. Finally, the study investigates the usability of the Digital Writing Studio through a usability test meant to investigate the functionality of the space for collaboration among users. This case demonstrates a challenge that many must take on at a time when budgets are being cut and space is difficult to secure. Usability methods of inquiry can help create a space designed in part by stakeholders—a method that this case argues can be built into annual program assessment.

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Cheryl A. Rubenberg 1946–2017

Review of Middle East Studies ◽

10.1017/rms.2018.20 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 170-172

Author(s):

Valerie J. Hoffman

Keyword(s):

International Relations ◽

Political Science ◽

Associate Professor ◽

American Government ◽

Business Interests ◽

Johns Hopkins University ◽

Florida Atlantic University ◽

International University ◽

Florida International University ◽

The University

Cheryl A. Rubenberg, independent analyst and former associate professor of political science at Florida International University, died on 16 June 2017 at age seventy-one. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, she earned her bachelor's in political science from Hunter College, her master's in international relations from Johns Hopkins University, and her Ph.D. in international relations from the University of Miami (1979). After a year at Florida Atlantic University, she joined the political science faculty at Florida International University. A student who took her class on American government wrote that Professor Rubenberg “changed my life forever” by exposing the business interests that motivate leaders of American government and media.

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An Investigation of Tactile and Visual Stimuli in the Roadway Environment

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.2466/pms.1998.87.2.387 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 87 (2) ◽

pp. 387-394 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Max A. Dixon ◽

Julie A. Jacko

Keyword(s):

Experimental Design ◽

Visual Stimuli ◽

International University ◽

Florida International University ◽

Pedestrian Crossing ◽

The Relationship ◽

Speed Humps

208 motorists were observed at Florida International University, in Miami, Florida as part of a study of the influence of speed humps on motorists' behavior at pedestrian crossings. It was hypothesized that the presence of a speed hump will affect motorists' behavior by compelling them either to yield or stop at a pedestrian crossing to enable a pedestrian to cross safely. A between-subjects experimental design was employed to measure motorists' reactions. Analysis indicated that the relationship is strong between drivers' behavior and the presence or absence of this roadway stimulus. There was also evidence that female drivers may take more precautionary actions than male drivers. This information is useful for roadway designers and traffic psychologists.

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