Design of virtual immersive environments for inclusive multimodal experiences

Immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality are a topic of fast-paced research, and knowledge boundaries are presently being pushed by design research on inclusive immersive social environments, among others. Similarly, haptic technologies have witnessed significant developments, including progress driven by large-scale private organisations worldwide. In particular, the concept of Tactile Internet, i.e. of a network with ultra-low latency and high availability, reliability, and security, has received increased attention in recent years. Further development in this area is expected to be facilitated by the availability of 5G wireless communication technology.

This project will explore the convergence between immersive and haptic technologies. It will fill a knowledge gap by identifying and understanding opportunities and barriers towards design of equitable multimodal experiences, individual and social, within virtual environments. One potential incarnation of the research addresses the role that the Tactile Internet can play within the Metaverse, a future immersive virtual world envisaged as a hypothetical iteration of the Internet.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for designing, running, and evaluating a programme of activities with end users, to understand attitudes towards tactile and multimodal interaction within immersive environments. They will play a key role in understanding opportunities and barriers towards inclusive multimodal immersive experiences.

The ideal candidate’s profile combines proficiency in user-centred design processes with technical competency in relation to immersive technologies, with an emphasis on Virtual Reality. Familiarity with haptic technology is preferred. A Masters’ degree is desired but not essential.

The research will be carried out in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment in the Brunel Design School in close collaboration with Brunel Engineering. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Federico Colecchia, who specialises in emerging technologies and innovation at the intersection between technical development and user-centred design. They will have access to relevant stakeholders and will benefit from a range of support services that Brunel University London offers to their Doctoral Researchers, including professional skills and career development support.

For informal enquiries about the research project, please email Federico.Colecchia@brunel.ac.uk.

The University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second-Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1), or international equivalent. A Master’s degree is a welcome, but not required, qualification for entry. 

Research journey

Doctoral research programmes (PhDs) take a proud place in the world-class research environment and community at Brunel. PhD students are recognised and valued by their supervisors as an essential part of their departments and a key component of the university's overall strategy to develop and deliver world-class research.

A PhD programme is expected to take 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, with intakes starting in January, April or October.

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1) or an international equivalent. A Masters degree is a welcome, but not required, qualification for entry.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Brunel

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme. The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

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Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

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You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.