PhD 2: Effect of Contextual Sound Perception on Metaverse User Experience

Industry Partner: EA Games (SEED research group)

PhD Supervisor: Alena Denisova, Computer Science; second supervisor tbc. 

Description:

Sound provides contextual information and sets the atmosphere for the users of VR simulations, video games and the Metaverse. Sounds are typically created by the audio engineers or can be generated procedurally. Evaluating how the users perceive and experience sounds and assessing the quality of the generated sound (particularly if it is procedurally generated) and its suitability for a given context, event or virtual environment is a challenge due to the subjective nature of this assessment and the lack of benchmarks for evaluating such experiences. Thus, this project seeks to address the challenge of evaluating sound perception in the metaverse with a focus on how audio can be used to enhance the user experience, including but not limited to emotional engagement, immersion and presence. The goal is to grow our understanding of how sound perception affects the user experience in the metaverse and to develop and test new techniques and methods to assess sound perception in the metaverse.

If you have any questions about this project please contact alena.denisova@york.ac.uk

Apply for this project at PhD in CS

Who should apply?

Candidates must have (or expect to obtain) a minimum of a UK upper second-class honours degree (2.1) or equivalent and a strong interest and experience in sound and audio technology. Their formal training and qualifications may be in disciplines not directly associated with audio engineering or metaverse technologies. 

We especially welcome applications from candidates belonging to groups that are currently under-represented in metaverse-related industries; these include (but are not limited to: women, individuals from under-represented ethnicities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people from low-income backgrounds, and people with physical disabilities.

How to apply

When applying please select ‘CDT in Sound Interactions in the Metaverse’ as your source of funding. You do not need to provide a research proposal, just enter the name of the project you are applying for. 

You can contact us at pet-sim@york.ac.uk

We expect strong competition and encourage those interested to submit applications as early as possible. The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon (GMT) on Monday 20th March 2023.