Affective Adaptation in VR Exergaming

Aim: 

To develop VR exergames that are capable of providing optimal user experience by adapting themselves according to the user's affective state.  

Abstract: 

VR exergaming is a promising motivational tool to incentivise exercise [1,3]. Player experience estimation of VR exergame players by recognising their affective state could enable us to personalise and optimise their experience. Affect recognition based on psychophysiological measurements for high intensity VR exergames pose challenges as the effects of exercise and VR headsets interfere with those measurements. My previous research presents affective predictors based on gaze fixations, eye blinks, pupil diameter, and skin conductivity for affect recognition in high intensity VR exergaming [1][2].  

 Deliverables: 

The student will further investigate affective adaptation to personalise and optimise exergaming applications to achieve long term exercise adherence. They will generate a range of research outputs, such as datasets and associated tools to support researchers, practitioners, and end users in visualising, analysing, and understanding users’ experience of the VR exergaming. In turn this will inform the design and implementation of exergaming applications that are capable of dynamically adapting themselves according to the user’s experience to achieve optimal user experience, adherence, and benefits.  

For more information on the project, please contact Soumya Barathi - [Email Address Removed]

Academic criteria: A 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree or a master's degree, in computing or a related subject. Applicants with appropriate professional experience are also considered. Degree-level mathematics (or equivalent) is required for research in some project areas. 

Applicants for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate proficiency by obtaining an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skills component. 

How to apply:  

Please contact the supervisors of the project prior to submitting your application to discuss and develop an individual research proposal that builds on the information provided in this advert. Once you have developed the proposal with support from the supervisors, please submit your application following the instructions provided below 

Please submit your application before the application deadline 13th March 2023 via Computer Science and Informatics - Study - Cardiff University 

In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information:  

• Supporting statement  
• CV  
• In the ‘Research Proposal’ section of the application enter the name of the project you are applying to and upload your Individual research proposal, as mentioned above in BOLD 
• In the funding field of your application, insert “I am applying for 2023 PhD Scholarship in Computer Science and Informatics”, and specify the project title and supervisors of this project in the text box provided. 
• Qualification certificates and Transcripts 
• References x 2  
• Proof of English language (if applicable) 

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact [Email Address Removed]