More than VR: creators on agency and immersion at HKU

On June 27th, CIIIC was present at the symposium of the Artistic Extended Reality Lab of the HKU. Various formats were used to explore aspects of immersiveness, such as public values, creative technology, and narrative. 

In one of the panel discussions, Celine Daemen (Studio Nergens, including Songs for a Passerby), Steye Hallema (The Smartphone Orchestra, including The Imaginary Friend), and CIIIC advisory board member Nienke Huitenga (Studio Wzzzt, including Lacuna) discussed creating immersive experiences. These three creators have all received international recognition for their IX experiences. 

The discussion, led by Caspar Nieuwenhuis, director of HKU Theater, focused on centering the 'player' and providing 'agency.' For a good immersive experience, the player needs a role in the story. The challenge for these creators is to ensure that the experience can be played intuitively so that technology is not a hindrance. Music can also contribute significantly to the experience. Although these creators have made multiple VR productions, it was emphasized that a headset is not necessary for an immersive experience. In another session, Aaron Oostdijk took visitors through his thought experiment about an immersive internet.

Following this symposium, Nick Degens and Joris Weijdom were installed as lector and associate lector, respectively, in the (Dis)Connected Technology & Creativity research group. During their performance lecture, they provided insights and inspiration on the focus and questions of the new research group. Special attention was given to the artist/designer/maker. “They must learn not only to use technology but also to misuse it to achieve unexpected, disruptive, inspiring, moving, and possibly confrontational experiences.”