Explore the Future of Collaborative Digital Play

Interested in interaction design, creative technology, and designing engaging digital experiences for children?

Shumka Centre is seeking two qualified Student Research Assistants (RAs) for Designing for Connection: Collaborative Creative Play in Karunaverse, a new industry research project in collaboration with Karuna Media Inc.

Karuna Media is developing Karunaverse, an online creative makerspace for children aged 6–12 that brings together creativity, technology, and neuroarts. The project explores how interaction design, collaborative play, and digital creative tools can support meaningful connection, creative expression, and children’s wellbeing.

Working alongside ECU research leads Priyanka Poulose and Hope Akello, student researchers will gain hands-on experience conducting design research, evaluating digital experiences, supporting co-design workshops, and developing interactive concepts and prototypes. The team will explore how creative activities involving imagery, words, music, and code can encourage safe, inclusive, and collaborative digital play.

Through this paid research opportunity, students will collaborate with faculty researchers and an industry partner, strengthen their design research and prototyping skills, and contribute to the future development of Karunaverse.

Project Snapshot

• Project Dates: December 2026 – April 2027
• Time Commitment: Up to 12 hours/week for 20 weeks
• Format: Hybrid, with required in-person work in Vancouver
• Available Positions: 2 paid Student Research Assistant positions
• Application Deadline: November 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) PCT
• Anticipated Interviews: November 26–27, 2026

Who Can Apply?

Candidates must possess the following to be considered for this position:

• Be enrolled in Emily Carr University’s as a 3rd- or 4th-year undergraduate student in any BDes program, 2D/3D ANIM programs, or as a Master of Design (MDes) graduate student;
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher;
• Be available for required in-person project activities in Vancouver and remote meetings as needed;
• Must reside in British Columbia for the entire duration of the program and hold valid work authorization

We welcome applicants with diverse and complementary skills in design research, visual storytelling, interactive prototyping, game design, and creative technology.

We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Eligible undergraduate students may also apply to receive work experience credit for participating.

Interested in Applying?

Visit The Leeway to view the full job posting, including role responsibilities, learning outcomes, compensation, required qualifications, and application instructions.

Application Deadline: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon) PCT

Questions?

For questions about the project or application process, contact shumka@ecuad.ca .

This position is contingent on external funding and may be delayed or modified depending on grant or partner commitments.