Accessibility

Chris is a Professor of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at Birmingham City University, where he leads the HCI Research Group. The group specialises in research around immersive systems and inclusive technologies with an international track record in publishing research at leading HCI venues. Professor Creed’s work is primarily focused on accessibility and assistive technology for disabled people (across a range of impairments) with a particular interest in enhancing the accessibility of immersive experiences. His research has received funding from leading organisations such as Google, Meta, Epic Games, Adobe, Microsoft, AHRC, and Innovate UK. He also has significant experience in collaborating with regional, national and international organisations across a wide range of projects and sectors.

Claire is a passionate educator, digital innovation advocate, and proud autistic individual with expertise in simulation development and educational leadership. As Principal Lecturer in Undergraduate Programmes at the Institute of Education, Arts and Society, she focuses on fostering inclusive learning environments. With a background in creating immersive learning tools and advocating for accessibility, Claire is committed to leveraging technology to enhance education for all, particularly those with disabilities and neurodivergence. Additionally, she serves as a trustee at Rosehill Theatre, contributing to community enrichment through arts and culture.

I have recently (from August 2023) been appointed as a Professor in Digital Creativity in the School of Design and Creative Arts at Loughborough University. Previously, I was a Professor in Human Factors at the University of Nottingham and head of the Human Factors Research Group. I am an experienced academic who teaches and conducts research in the area of Human Factors/Human-Computer Interaction/User-Experience Design. For several years, I have taught hundreds of students on the use of new immersive technologies in design – pioneering the use of social VR as means to engage more with students represented as avatars over extended periods in persistent and fantastical virtual worlds. I have recently been exploring the use of new hologram-based technologies for ‘beaming in’ guest lecturers to campus from across the globe, as well as engaging with students in radically different ways, e.g. through AI avatars. Much of my work has addressed issues of accessibility and inclusivity for these technologies in the education sector, for instance, considering how to minimise the likelihood of sickness as a barrier to the use of immersive technologies.

I am a Postgraduate Researcher at the University of Leicester and a Fellow of the Institute for Digital Culture, focusing on accessibility and inclusivity within immersive technologies, particularly within the museum and heritage sectors. My current PhD research, titled “Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity for Autistic Individuals in Museum Digital Culture and Extended Reality Experiences,” examines how autistic adults engage with VR and XR in cultural settings, aiming to improve accessibility and autistic enjoyment in these digital environments. This work is underscored by a commitment to ethical research practices and collaboration with neurodivergent individuals, whose input is a central aspect in shaping the accessibility of the project and its fieldwork.

I have recently designed and facilitated workshops on immersive technologies and accessibility, collaborating with institutions like Monash University and MBD Studios to create multi-sensory, mixed-reality experiences for neurodiverse audiences. With over a decade of experience in the tech sector, including roles at Apple and Rockefeller University, I’ve consistently worked to blend emerging technologies with creative solutions to enhance accessibility. My experience also extends to curatorial work, as Lead Volunteer Exhibitions Curator at Leicester Museums, where I have developed digital exhibition layouts and 3D object modelling. My work emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of immersive technologies to make digital culture and knowledge more inclusive and accessible.

I am an Associate Professor in Games at Anglia Ruskin University and the course director of MA/MSc Computer Games Development. My research interests include the development of serious games and digital musical instruments (DMI) for vulnerable communities. These include designing VR games for the rehabilitation training of older adults (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1624980/Brainland/), and developing a DMI-AR app that allows users to play music with hand, head, and eye movements (https://youtu.be/F_cUz2j6Yhk). I also investigate the effectiveness of integrating XR into educational contexts, particularly the stimulating effects brought about by immersive technologies.

I have extensive experience in AR/VR for healthcare, particularly in applying immersive technologies to complex medical procedures such as endovascular interventions. I've worked on creating virtual reality simulations to train healthcare professionals in minimally invasive techniques, helping to improve precision and reduce patient risk. In addition, I’ve been involved in developing augmented reality systems that overlay real-time data during surgeries, offering surgeons enhanced visualization of critical structures. These AR/VR applications not only enhance the training of medical staff but also make advanced procedures more accessible in remote or underserved areas by facilitating remote consultations and support. Through my work, I focus on leveraging these technologies to bridge gaps in accessibility, improve patient care, and provide innovative tools for healthcare professionals.

I am a Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Computer Science working in the areas of Interactive Multimedia and immersive technologies with a particular focus on accessibility. My work involves developing technological solutions that allow developers to test, assess and improve accessibility. I am currently supervising one PhD researcher in this area who is working towards developing an accessibility simulation tool, which is designed to help XR developers and designers evaluate the accessibility of their products. My expertise spans Interactive Multimedia, Serious Games, and immersive technology, and I have a solid understanding of the accessibility challenges faced in XR. I am eager to bring this to the Working Group to help develop standards, tools, and best practices that ensure XR technologies are accessible to a diverse range of users.

As the project manager and producer of Creative Catalyst funded AndroidicaLabXR, I have a growing wealth of experience in XR technologies, hosting events and running projects in metaverse spaces and playable live XR productions. My focus for these working groups is on creating inclusive experiences for neurodivergent users, creatives and company/cast members/artists. My personal experience with dyslexia and its spatial cognition curiosities has driven my passion for accessibility in immersive environments. Through my work with PCM Immersive Stage Co, I've shaped approaches to make XR experiences more accessible to users with various cognitive differences. My involvement in projects like "Non Player Character" with Jigsaw Ensemble and Brendan Bradley has further honed my understanding for creating interactive narratives that accommodate diverse cognitive processing styles.

I am a technical researcher at SIE (Sony Interactive Entertainment). I have done research about accessibility in games in the past (games, controllers, VR) and work in accessibility when I get the chance. I am part of a group focused in accessibility in SIE, and act as the accessibility expert for my department. I have also done research about XR in the past.

Joe Strickland is a theatre maker, digital producer, creative technologist and access consultant with great energy and passion. Since 2012 they have been helping to create all manner of theatre and performance in venues across the country.​ They are the Artistic Director & CEO of Chronic Insanity, Digital Producer at DaDa, Producer for the Chronically Ill Artists Network, and a Trustee of The King's Hall Trust For The Arts. They are also the Dramaturg in Residence with the Virtual Immersive Production Studio at the University of Nottingham.
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They are the Digital Producer for Puncture The Screen, Chronic Insanity's data driven art and performance festival, and the Venue Manager for both Insanity Point, a Nottingham-based pop-up streaming venue for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and The Void, an immersive performance and exhibition space housed in a system of caves in Nottingham.
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They are an artist supported by the Nottingham Playhouse, a studio member with Near Now, and have been a BBC New Creative and an Associate Artist with New Perspectives and Nonsuch Studios.
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They have a PhD in Future Experience Technologies and Storytelling, which was based at the University of Nottingham's Mixed Reality Lab and partnered with the Horizon CDT, University of Nottingham and the BBC. They specialise in using traditional theatre making techniques and applying them to entertainment technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, as well as recreating physical presence using these technologies.
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They are an experienced digital culture and accessibility consultant, having spoken about the subjects internationally and worked with a large range of organisations, including the BFI, Young Vic, AMA, BBC R&D and British Council. They are currently part of the Access Working Group at the Nottingham Playhouse.
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In 2022 they won the Off West End award for Best Audio Production for Red Breast by Lotty Holder. In 2023 they won the Digital Culture Network Award for Digital Transformation, as well as being nominated for the Digital Ambassador award. They were also nominated for the Off West End award for Best Director for their work on 24, 23, 22 by Doug Deans. They are also a multi-award winning magician and an accomplished musician.

I have published over 130 articles and 30 international awards related to using VR and immersive tech for medical applications. My research project comprise several physical and virtual components which together form medical training simulators. 1) Virtual 3D Graphics anatomical models. 2) Physical Tissue Resistance Force Feedback Devices. 3) Mannequin with real physical palpable tissues. I have developed several simulators for medical training. This has included training for clinicians in the NHS and for training patients and children with chronic conditions. I have developed VR training for several medical procedures including: Epidural, Spinal, Lumbar puncture, Anaesthesia, Resuscitation, Diabetes, Orthopaedics, Knee replacement, hip replacement and others.

I am a Game Design lecturer, with a background in design and animation, diagnosed with severe Dyslexia in my last year of University (26 years ago) and with Mears Irlen syndrome before I entered teaching 7 years ago. I am currently in the second year of a Part-time PGR as a PhD candidate, with my topic of research being the use of VR and AI in education. My current topic on this journey is how colour and light effects cognitive load and a learners physiology, along with a practical application using pupillary response monitored through eye tracking to differentiate virtual learning environments in real-time to benefit the learners' needs.

Josh Gregg is the Innovation Technologies Specialist at HELIX, the University of Leeds.

Designed to enhance student education, HELIX offers cutting-edge digital provision, including immersive technologies and multimedia production studios, as well as a physical makerspace. Our Immersive Technology space is home to the first (and only) Omnideck in the UK.

Josh supports a diverse community of students, staff, and the local community, as well as ensuring the space stays at the forefront of research and technology developments.

Josh comes from a research background in immersive and interactive audio. He has made musicals in the metaverse with virtual production, created platforms for users to explore heritage spatial acoustics, used enhanced audio to make AR more accessible, developed low-latency immersive VR networked music performance systems, investigated how to include people remotely in choirs and created an interactive web trailer to encourage new demographics to engage with opera. Much of this work has facilitated greater inclusion of diverse and harder-to-reach individuals.