BURA Collection:
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/179
2024-03-16T02:47:11ZDesigning a framework for VR mechanics that elicit targeted emotions
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/28494
Title: Designing a framework for VR mechanics that elicit targeted emotions
Authors: Mallary, Adriana Leigh
Abstract: The realm of Virtual Reality (VR) in game development is rapidly expanding, paralleled by a growing interest in designing emotionally resonant VR experiences. However, there exists a notable void in design frameworks tailored for crafting mechanics that precisely evoke intended emotions. This thesis aims to bridge this gap by formulating a comprehensive framework that aids developers to create VR game mechanics that elicit targeted emotional responses. Starting with an immersive study of various VR games, this project analyses existing VR mechanics and their emotional impacts. These insights contribute to the development of initial models, tested before forming an initial framework, and further validated through a Pilot Study. Subsequently, the viability of the framework as a practical tool for designers is substantiated via the creation and assessment of two VR prototypes, each aimed at eliciting divergent emotional states. The main study, involving participant feedback, refines the framework’s efficacy and identifies necessary adjustments. The culminating outcome of this comprehensive journey is the delivery of a refined and validated framework, suitable to support developers in the gaming industry to craft emotionally engaging VR experiences.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London2023-01-01T00:00:00ZValue co-creation framework for co-designing strategic approach in public service: A grassroots enterprise development programme in Thailand (the OTOP programme)
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/27726
Title: Value co-creation framework for co-designing strategic approach in public service: A grassroots enterprise development programme in Thailand (the OTOP programme)
Authors: Bejrananda, Mathurada
Abstract: OTOP (One Tambon One Product) is a grassroots enterprise development programme
initiated by the Thai government. Its objective is to promote the local economy by encouraging
locals to create and sell products that utilise local resources. However, the programme has
been executed in a top-down manner, resulting in mismatched support for local communities.
This research proposes a value co-creation framework with co-design principles to give local
entrepreneurs more ownership over the OTOP programme. The research methodology
employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, and the exploration of the
theoretical perspective was informed by a literature review and cross-national case studies.
Interviews with local authorities, entrepreneurs, and experts were conducted in order to
identify barriers, while questionnaire surveys were used to obtain insights from OTOP
customers during the investigation stage. The initial framework was co-designed with design
experts. In the evaluation stage, workshops and interviews were conducted with local
enterprises and local authorities in order to evaluate the framework. The findings were then
formed into the final recommendation: a value co-creation framework with facilitator and
implementation guidelines for co-creating mutual value that is constructed collectively and
creatively through interactions among stakeholders. Mutual value is key to enterprise
development and can be used to co-design a strategic approach to public service. This
approach enables the planning of meaningful actions and supports tailored to the needs of the
locals. The value co-creation framework can help establish an equal partnership between local
entrepreneurs and the government, promoting a shared sense of ownership and commitment
towards development activities. This approach enables entrepreneurs to have a
comprehensive understanding of their business goals, leading to sustainable benefits for all
stakeholders. This research provides a practical implementation that can be utilised by local
authorities and other supporting bodies in the grassroots enterprise development field, beyond
just those participating in the OTOP programme.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London2023-01-01T00:00:00ZCreating a 4D printing toolkit by comparing the printing parameters of print patterns and infill density
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/27445
Title: Creating a 4D printing toolkit by comparing the printing parameters of print patterns and infill density
Authors: Nam, Seokwoo
Abstract: Four-dimensional printing (4DP) has shown a rapid advancement in AM. 4DP is described by
the formula of 3D printing + time. It is an active and dynamic printing system in which shape,
structure, colour, etc., can spontaneously deform according to the appropriate environment,
materials, and time sequence (Pugliese et al., 2022). These 4DP is a new technology that needs
to be developed. Since most scholars’ research is focused on scientific theories and more
technical aspects, research on print control and the usefulness of extracting effective print is
very limited and fragmented. This study identifies the optimal ways in which to control the
printing parameters of the material extrusion to ensure the widespread use of 4DP. It establishes
a design guideline for 4DP by providing a basis for achieving user-intended shape deformation
and restoration or more complex shape deformation. This study aims to achieve the most
predictable and accurate shape deformation and restoration, which is achieved by identifying
the types and characteristics of the various backgrounds and knowledge related to 4DP as well
as the shape-changing behaviours and printing parameters that can be implemented in 4DP
through conducting a literature review. Furthermore, various Shape Memory Effects (SMEs)
are discovered such as shape recovery time and shape recovery quality through water bath
experiments. In addition, based on the numerical data derived for SMEs, this research also
proposes a toolkit for controlling systematic 4DP SMEs. This study investigates how polylactic
acid, a shape memory polymer, can be programmed by manipulating its parameters in the
slicing step. For this purpose, a water bath experiment is used to show the influence of the
printing pattern, infill density, and recovery temperature on printed parts’ bending shape
recovery quality and the shape recovery rates. The printing parameter experiment proves that
the shape recovery quality and shape recovery time can be controlled by the material’s
characteristics and the printing parameters. The printing parameter control method proposed in
this thesis can guide the design and application intended by researchers and designers through
easy accessibility and usability. In addition, 4DP-related theoretical knowledge, tools, methods
and results presented in this research can be utilized to generate new research results or to
develop new applications and suggest guidelines for the proper use of 4DP, saving time and
money. This discovery allows researchers, designers, and engineers to develop their work using
optimal printing parameters with minimal trial and error and expand it to new applications. It
can also serve as a cornerstone for the application of these results to many Additive
Manufacturing technologies and industries.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London2023-01-01T00:00:00ZFilmmaking of the future: A co-design-led investigation into the potential of immersive technologies to enhance the small and medium audiovisual production processes
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/27288
Title: Filmmaking of the future: A co-design-led investigation into the potential of immersive technologies to enhance the small and medium audiovisual production processes
Authors: Bodini, Aimone
Abstract: In common with many other fields, the audiovisual (AV) industry is being transformed by the use of real-time graphics engines in combination with immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). This technological mixture enables what is known as virtual production (VP) and introduces professionals to numerous new ways of creating AV content.
However, VP is still in a relatively early stage and there are various barriers to democratization that must be overcome if these technologies are to become widely used in the industry. Specifically, there is a need to promote and identify the best ways to facilitate the uptake of the technologies within the context of independent small and medium productions (SMPs).
The main aim underscoring this PhD project is to investigate how VP can enhance the process of independent SMPs; the key output is a set of recommendations for implementing VP into current production practices.
Recommendations are based upon a new VP process that focuses on immersive pre-visualization of filming locations. This process is enabled by using affordable, accessible, and easy-to-use immersive technologies to support creativity, communication, and collaboration during the pre-production phase of an AV product.
Unlike previous studies in the field, this work was performed by adopting a co-design approach whereby professionals were actively engaged in and contributed to the research by sharing their valuable knowledge, creative ideas, and feedback. The overall methodological framework adopted to develop the research was design research methodology (DRM).
The PhD project comprises five consecutive and interdependent studies:
In the first study, the working habits, challenges, and perceptions towards VP were explored through a series of semi-structured interviews with professionals who performed different roles within SMPs. This stage contributed to the initial understanding of the SMPs' operational context and the identification of the basic user requirements for adopting VP.
The second study involved a new sample of professionals who engaged in a series of remote co-design workshops that validated the findings from the previous stage. This study also introduced into the project the method of design fiction, a process in which participants are prompted to conceptualise possible and probable ideas for the future use of VP in their work. This second study generated 14 initial scenarios on how alternative VP processes can benefit SMPs.
In the third study, ideas from the second study were merged and extended into three highly detailed design fiction scenarios that were presented in an online questionnaire. The data collected from professionals who responded to the questionnaire allowed to identify the scenario considered to be the most valuable and worthwhile of being developed in practice.
In the fourth study, a practical prototype was designed and developed based on the detailed scenario from the third study to aid professionals in the pre-production phase of an AV project. The prototype was then evaluated in person by different teams of professionals who employed it in a simulated alternative VP-enabled process. The prototype and process were seen as useful and ready to be implemented in a real-world environment.
The fifth study encompassed the final stage of the project, which involved self-reflection on the practical prototype as well as the process developed and evaluated in the fourth study. Accordingly, a set of recommendations based on the all the previous studies, was generated for the design of future VP processes for SMPs.
Overall, this exploratory research contributes to better understanding of an emerging area of investigation – VP applied to SMPs – and highlights the urgency for further research activities.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London2023-01-01T00:00:00Z