Author: Kathryn Woodcock

Dr. Kathryn Woodcock is Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, teaching, researching, and consulting in the area of human factors engineering / ergonomics particularly applied to amusement rides and attractions (https://thrilllab.blog.ryerson.ca), and to broader occupational and public safety issues of performance, error, investigation and inspection, and to disability and accessibility.

VelociCoaster behind-the-scenes

One of the best benefits in the themed entertainment industry is the professional development opportunities. The highlight of the summer was a behind-the-scenes event with the Themed Entertainment Association hosted by Universal Creative at the new VelociCoaster in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, at Universal Orlando Resort.

Continue reading “VelociCoaster behind-the-scenes”

Newsweek

This piece in Newsweek reports on a roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highlands that reportedly has unusual number of riders sustaining fractured bones.

The piece cites this paper in Safety Science, although it attributes the report to the journal and not to the author, and just uses the paper to cite IAAPA, and doesn’t get into the actual findings reported in the paper. We received no media inquiry for comment .

Theme Studio

THRILL Lab Director Dr. Kathryn Woodcock has teamed with lead applicant Dr. Louis-Etienne Dubois of the FOL!E lab and Prof. Vincent Hui of the [R[ed[U]x Lab to secure a small Ryerson Research infrastructure grant to develop attractions on campus, and especially to explore diverse voices in themed attractions. The Theme Studio will partner with industry and we’re open to contributions of hardware, mentoring, and questions of mutual interest.