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I have been testing the VR software ‘Sophie Social’ with friends and family. On the 24th of July 2022, I tested it with a Friend, and last night (2 Nov 2022) my Mum tried it out too.
The take away, from these two early tests, is that participants are likely to struggle with navigating through the VR environment and using the hand-held controllers, even more so if the participant is not technologically proficient. Moreover, whilst I am not expecting DSW participants to have Arthritis, my Mum does, in her hands, and therefore found the hand-held controllers difficult and uncomfortable to use.
It was interesting observing my Mum apologizing to Sophie (Avatar) numerous times throughout her VR experience, as my Mum struggled just steering through the environment. For example, as the avatar (Sophie) stood there continuingly pointing to a picture in the magazine she was holding, my mum kept apologizing to Sophie (Avatar).
These early tests also highlighted a need for an external review monitor. It was very difficult to guide the users in navigating, and I found myself wanting, and needing, to observe what is occurring in the VR environment. Indeed, having a review monitor for this, will be very useful, especially if the user is struggling to use the technology.
I will be doing another test on the weekend of November the 12th 2022 with my friend. Prior to this, I aim to have an early and basic instruction guide developed to test out and see if it helps my friend navigate.
In addition (to this), I emailed a couple of ABC journalists and was informed that Elizabeth Wright is the ABC’s disability affairs correspondent. I subsequently sent Elizabeth an email too just more of an introduction email about me and my research.
I also emailed Dr Sylvia Anne Mackie who is the LAS Research Communication Advisor / Convener COM80001 GC-RESIM, at Swinburne’s Office of Student Engagement.
I heard back from Sylvia this morning, who informed me of the following:
quote,
“Hi Lee,
In relation to formatting, Appendix 1 in the Statement of Practice Candidature Handbook gives a guide to Swinburne’s preferred structure and format of the thesis (pages 46-48). It’s in the Research Intranet (log in with your staff ID, not your student number):
https://www.swinburne.edu.au/media/intranet/research/docs/grad-studies-pdfs/SoP-Candidature-Handbook-November-2018.pdf
If you’re considering the thesis by publication, you should check through p. 47 in detail and then discuss it with your supervisor.
Swinburne’s Research Bank has samples of completed theses: access the repository via the link, and browse by publication type.”