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CSC 699 Blog 4

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When the Headset Comes Off — Reflections on Empathy and Immersive Design From Build Mode to Reflection Mode At the beginning of this research, I asked the question: Can we make humans feel what another human feels using immersive media? I didn't know the best answer then, and still don't. But this project gave me something more profound: the power to remain with the messiness of that question while trying to make something real as an answer to it. Throughout four blogs and one semester's worth of research, I've flown through worlds, curated symbolic objects, composed narrative scenes, measured user empathy, written a research paper, and lived through unforeseen detours. Now, in this final reflection, I'm stepping back to examine what I actually learned and what's left once the code is written and the headset removed. Lessons I have learned Empathy is a process, not a product I came to this thinking that if I used the right visuals, sounds, or layout, people wou...
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CSC 699 Blog 3

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Measuring Empathy — User Studies and Reflections on Arrival Space  From Feeling to Feedback Designing empathy is one thing; measuring it is another altogether. As I built Arrival Space, I always intended to engender a sense of emotional connection, not just awe at appearances but a more meaningful connection with lived or imagined experience. But how would I ever know if users got it if and when they experienced what the space aimed for? That became the question for this next step: the user study. Designing the User Study When it was time to evaluate Arrival Space, I knew I needed an instrument to measure emotional impact without burdening participants. On my professor's recommendation, I looked into the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ)—a validated, short instrument specific to affective empathy. Its focus on emotional responsivity and clear language made it ideal for measuring user reaction after an immersive storytelling experience. After reviewing many versions of the TEQ and...
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CSC 699 Blog 2

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From Place to Presence: Designing Virtual Environments for Empathic Engagement The Emotional Architecture of Immersive Storytelling Empathy   design   within   immersive media  isn't   merely   a matter of  looks —it is  a   process  of  deliberate  construction,  in   which  every visual detail,  every  spatial arrangement, and  every  layer  of sound  contributes to emotional  connection .  For  my research project, Arrival Space, I  wanted   to  construct  a virtual  space  that tells a story and   lets  users  experience   it. Drawing  inspiration   from  real-world 3D scans  in  Scaniverse, hand-drawn conceptual  doodles , and  hand- curated  Sketchfab  assets.   I  embarked   on a quest to view  empathy as narratively and spatially constructed. In th...
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CSC 699 Blog 1

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Starting a Research Project on HCI & VR Introduction: The Power of Storytelling in Virtual Reality Storytelling has always been a key method for sharing experiences, emotions, and cultures across history. But what happens to storytelling in a Virtual Reality (VR) setting? My research investigates this convergence—how VR can foster empathy through storytelling in a virtual museum setting. The Fundamental Issue: Can VR Enhance Emotional Connection? Traditional museums showcase extensive visual and historical insights but often depend on unchanging descriptions and placards. I aim to develop an interactive virtual museum where users engage with artworks through immersive storytelling audio, leading them on an emotional and reflective journey. What Inspired This Project? I’ve always been intrigued by how stories shape emotions, perspectives, and thought processes. Museums offer spaces for contemplation, but integrating storytelling within an immersive VR setting can enhance that experi...
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