PhD Study : Developing believable personalities as photorealistic 3D generated avatars, for immersive application, through informative evaluation of the BBC historic archives

Summary

This research is a collaboration between the BBC NI and Ulster University. The overarching aim is to inform other research in reconstructing people from history using the unique BBC archive, local animation expertise and cutting-edge technology to enable new immersive experiences. This research proposal aims to investigate the elements that lead to believable 3D generated content through theoretical underpinning and applied development and user testing. 3D rendering aesthetics are restrained by graphics processing power and creative input. Technology and skills are now at a level where photo-realism continues to improve using real-time rendering. Nevertheless, rendering styles can be perceived as dated.

The specific content from this archive has a historic reference point. To balance nostalgia with timelessness a bespoke aesthetic for rendering, animation and visual effects is required. This involves creative and technical strategies for procedural production workflows enabling adaptive visual design outputs, that may be remastered.

The research will begin with investigating user empathy, for a youth audience and avatar personality using diagrammatic techniques form existing UX methodologies (Buxton 2007, Kolko 2011, Curedale 2016).

Outcomes will involve the generation of original 3D digital Content variants through modelling, visualisation and behavioural animation, to capture a nostalgic representation of a historic personality. The content will be developed for use within immersive environments (AR/VR). Motion sickness is a phenomenon which occurs in VR (Bertolini & Straumann 2016). Related technical challenges exist due to graphics processing of stereo rendering. Research identifies the need for content standards (Routhier 2016) and most recently IEEE have established the VRAR Working Group towards this goal (IEEE P2048). However, technically correct, simplified objects lack user empathy.

Once a user has moved beyond the novelty factor of VR, a sense of presence is required through photorealism (Wang & Doube, 2011). This aesthetic considers many levels of texture, colour, motion, imperfection and extends to ambient sound in order for full immersion to take place. This content should have emotional connections with the user while working within the technical constraints.

The outcomes will be analysed using eye tracking software to help measure engagement and user perception. We invite proposals that share an insightful and informed approach to photorealism and immersive content, informed from a diverse research base and theoretical underpinning. This work relates to Future Screens NI, which is one of eight national research partnerships across the UK, funded under the AHRC Creative Clusters initiative. It is supported by a content steering group within the BBC.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living