Dr John McGowan

Dr John McGowan's Supervisions (2)

PhD
Doctorate

Level Doctorate

Student Mr. Ethan Robson

Status Current

Part Time No

Years 2022 - 2025

Project Title Adaptive sound design for video games utilising selective attention with reference to gamers’ relative skill level

Project Description In video games, selective attention can be utilised to increase a player’s engagement by adapting the sound design according to their relative experience. The results of this project can be used in augmented, mixed, and virtual reality to make the experience more engaging and immersive. VR, AR, and games as a service have become increasingly popular in the games industry, this research can be used to improve the player experience by introducing nuance. To analyse how selective attention differs with relative experience, participants with varying degrees of experience at a set activity were interviewed and studied. Their actions and explanations identified patterns within their relevant activity that correlated to experience. As the participants have varying experience, the correlation identified shows the natural progression of learning, some of which is subconscious. A system was created that can be used as a template for any game, application, or experience to implement. With each instance, research into the relative experience of potential users will provide the key components which the user’s selective attention will adapt with. The research can also be used to implement a system that aids players with intuitive learning. By introducing nuanced sound design, the user will learn to identify how sound is affecting the activity. This is common in movies and video games with leitmotifs and identifying sound effects. As the progression of learning follows the natural curve identified from the research, the implemented process will reduce the cognitive load of the player, increasing their engagement, playtime, and immersion.

Awarding Institution Edinburgh Napier University

Director of Studies Iain McGregor

Second Supervisor John McGowan

Level	Doctorate
Student	Mr. Ethan Robson
Status	Current
Part Time	No
Years	2022 - 2025
Project Title	Adaptive sound design for video games utilising selective attention with reference to gamers’ relative skill level
Project Description	In video games, selective attention can be utilised to increase a player’s engagement by adapting the sound design according to their relative experience. The results of this project can be used in augmented, mixed, and virtual reality to make the experience more engaging and immersive. VR, AR, and games as a service have become increasingly popular in the games industry, this research can be used to improve the player experience by introducing nuance. To analyse how selective attention differs with relative experience, participants with varying degrees of experience at a set activity were interviewed and studied. Their actions and explanations identified patterns within their relevant activity that correlated to experience. As the participants have varying experience, the correlation identified shows the natural progression of learning, some of which is subconscious. A system was created that can be used as a template for any game, application, or experience to implement. With each instance, research into the relative experience of potential users will provide the key components which the user’s selective attention will adapt with. The research can also be used to implement a system that aids players with intuitive learning. By introducing nuanced sound design, the user will learn to identify how sound is affecting the activity. This is common in movies and video games with leitmotifs and identifying sound effects. As the progression of learning follows the natural curve identified from the research, the implemented process will reduce the cognitive load of the player, increasing their engagement, playtime, and immersion.
Awarding Institution	Edinburgh Napier University
Director of Studies	Iain McGregor
Second Supervisor	John McGowan

PhD
Doctorate

Level Doctorate

Student Steven McSeveney

Status Current

Part Time No

Years 2022

Project Title Auditory Selective Attention for Mixed Reality Applications

Project Description In the post-COVID society there is an increased focus on how technology can enhance social interactions and provide the capability of socialising from remote locations. With the advancement of mixed reality applications, there is a need to improve the capabilities of audio as a tool to improve the sense of sharing a virtual environment with others. This research aims to develop methods of creating plausible auditory feedback in mixed reality applications which can enhance this sense of being present in a space with other people - whether user-controlled or otherwise. This includes measuring the auditory occlusion caused by people, as well as utilising selective attention and psychoacoustic theory to provide a more immersive and coherent audio experience in mixed reality applications.

Awarding Institution Edinburgh Napier University

Director of Studies Iain McGregor

Second Supervisor John McGowan