In this podcast episode of The Digital Alchemists, we delve into Virtual Observation (VO), a software tool to study user behaviour in Virtual Reality. VO precisely records and reconstructs user positional, rotational, and low-level input data directly within the VR simulation, offering an unparalleled recreation of their experience. This innovative system enables both live remote observation and detailed after-action review. Researchers, developers, and educators gain unprecedented insight, identifying usability issues and assessing performance from any perspective, even via WebGL, helping to overcome limitations of traditional VR observation methods.

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In this episode we explore the design of a web-based 3D virtual tour system for cultural heritage sites. This podcast episode delves into the paper "A Web-Based Virtual Tours System for Cultural Heritage: The Case Study of the ‘Cutty Sark’", authored by Marco Gilardi, Raymond Holder, and Thanos Kokkiniotis. Published at the IEEE SKIMA conference, the paper discusses a system accessible via desktop, mobile, or VR head-mounted displays. Learn how this approach leverages technologies like Web3D and WebXR to enhance accessibility and provide interactive experiences. The Cutty Sark case study illustrates the system's practical application.

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In this episode, we delve into the paper "Thermal Haptic for Virtual Reality: A Review" authored by Wei Ning and Marco Gilardi, published at the IEEE SKIMA conference. The paper explores the field of thermal haptics (TH) and its application in virtual reality (VR) to enhance user immersion and realism. The authors provide a valuable review and categorisation of existing TH devices for VR, discussing different stimulation methods and potential use cases. Learn how temperature feedback is being integrated into VR experiences to simulate environments, interactions, and even emotional cues. Join us for an insightful look into the evolving landscape of touch sensations in the virtual world.

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This podcast explores the paper "Enhancing Web3D Accessibility in Cultural Heritage: An Eye-Controlled 3D Model Viewer" by Julius Bernikas (UWS), Raymond Holder (Smartify Holdings ltd), Thanos Kokkiniotis (Smartify Holdings ltd), and Marco Gilardi (UWS), published at the IEEE SKIMA 2025 conference. The research presents a 3D model viewer designed to improve Web3D accessibility, particularly for people with upper body mobility or dexterity impairments. It enables interaction with cultural artefacts using eye tracking, offering an alternative to traditional inputs. The paper addresses challenges in applying web accessibility guidelines (like ARIA and WCAG) to Web3D and presents a human-centred design approach to bridge this gap, aiming for wider access to digital cultural content.

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Welcome to Episode 2 of the AI generated UWS CCT's Research podcast. This episode highlights "Guidelines for Immersive Serious Games Design" by our PhD student Luke Beveridge. Published at IEEE SKIMA 2025, this paper presents over 100 universal design guidelines for immersive serious games (ISG). Based on a thematic analysis of literature, it aims to bridge the gap in understanding how to design successful ISG applications. Tune in to learn how these guidelines can assist researchers and practitioners in developing effective ISG experiences that enhance engagement and motivation. The full list of guidelines can be accessed here: https://uwscct.github.io/isg_guidelines/

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Welcome to the first UWS CCT AI podcast from the University of the West of Scotland Creative Computing Technologies Research Group. This first episode examines recent research from our undergraduate student Lara McIntyre's paper "A User Study on Deaf Individuals in VR Social Spaces - The Emergence of the VR Sign Language" published at the IEEE SKIMA 2024 conference. The paper investigates the experiences of deaf individuals within social Virtual Reality (VR) environments. The study underscores the challenges deaf individuals face, particularly social isolation, due to limited sign language (SL) proficiency among the hearing majority. While VR offers a potential platform for SL communication, current technology inadequately supports the full richness of SL, including crucial non-manual features. A significant finding is the emergence of Virtual Reality Sign Language (VRSL), an adaptive response simplifying signs due to VR's technical limitations. Despite hurdles, VR positively impacts social connection and mitigates isolation for deaf users globally. This human-centred study highlights the critical need for future VR development supporting comprehensive SL.

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