About the Project
This collaborative doctoral project will explore how immersive digital media, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 360° video, can be designed and evaluated to support inclusive and meaningful heritage experiences. While widely adopted across the sector, such technologies are often assessed in terms of technical performance rather than how they work for diverse audiences in real contexts, particularly neurodivergent and disabled visitors.
The project addresses this gap by applying a human-centred Quality of Experience (QoE) approach to evaluate how immersive media supports visitor experience in practice. In partnership with the National Trust, the research will combine user studies, audience research, and immersive media prototyping to develop an evidence-based framework for inclusive digital interpretation. Outputs will include practical evaluation tools, design guidance, and prototype experiences to support more accessible, effective, and fit-for-purpose digital heritage systems across the sector.
Research questions include:
• How do accessibility features in immersive heritage media influence visitor experience, including comprehension, comfort, engagement, and emotional response?
• What are the expectations, needs, and perceptual thresholds of neurodivergent and disabled visitors when engaging with immersive heritage content?
• How can human-centred evaluation methods, including QoE approaches, be adapted for inclusive immersive heritage experiences?
• How can visitor insights inform the design of more accessible and meaningful digital heritage experiences?
• How can an inclusive evaluation framework support heritage organisations in real-world use?
Research with National Trust
The student will undertake research across selected National Trust properties, working with Digital, Visitor Experience, and Access & Inclusion teams, and engaging with central teams based in Swindon. The project will involve fieldwork, user studies, and co-development of immersive prototypes. Opportunities for a structured placement with the National Trust (typically up to three months) may be available to support practical experience in inclusive digital interpretation.
This studentship is funded by the REACH AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership. The REACH CDP is led by Royal Museums Greenwich and comprises museums and heritage organisations including the National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces, and the British Film Institute. The successful student will have access to training led by REACH CDP partners and will join a lively cohort of students working with heritage organisations across England and Wales.
Supervisors: Dr Femi Adeyemi-Ejeye, Professor Bran Nicol and Dr Heather Smith