User experience in Extended Reality environments and applications

Extended Reality (XR), which covers Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR), is already in the rise with applications from manufacturing to health to gaming, to name but just a few. It is expected that XR will create 1.2-2.4 million new jobs in Europe by 2025.

Considering the interdisciplinary opportunities that XR could help create as a result of its wide range of applications, it is very important that user experience with XR technology is at the core of any design process. However, user experience in XR is fundamentally different to the user experience we are used to in our mobile devices or PCs.

This doctoral research will focus on the investigation of approaches to improve user experience with XR technologies within any subset of XR (VR, AR or MR); this will include creating content that is engaging for people of all abilities (e.g. by augmenting content), exploring the appropriateness of diegesis theory in XR, etc.

Candidates should have experience in Multimedia technologies and Digital Games. They should have good game/software/prototype design and development skills using relevant software packages and tools. Knowledge of XR, accessibility, as well as experience of carrying out user-centred research, and collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data are also desirable.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you woold be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Fotios Spyridonis - Fotis is a Lecturer in Computer Science focusing on Interactive Multimedia and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

Damon Daylamani-Zad - Damon is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Media, focusing on Creative Computing (AI and Games).

Related Research Group(s)

Creative Computing - Multidisciplinary research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (machine learning), serious and fun gaming, and cognitive modelling to simulate a physical world either as a virtual, augmented or mixed reality environment.

Interactive Multimedia Systems - Building sensor and media-rich, cross-layer, inclusive e-systems, with an interest in human-machine interaction, sensorial-based interfaces, data visualisation and multimedia.