Immersive Scotland Workshop #3

Description

The third Immersive Scotland Network workshop held on the 29th April 2022 was hosted virtually in partnership between The Centre for Island Creativity, UHI Shetland and Robert Gordon University.

The link to the full recording of the workshop: https://rgu-ac-uk.zoom.us/rec/share/5DCdVpaweAQmWujIxuzPkUkTqBqhzGyAAQkKF680BygWXBW8oF5B8wncC3uwFNmE.roKrTXfHCswfRJpQ
Access Passcode: EB$3eF5e

The workshop was attended by 26 participants throughout the day. This short report provides a summary of the presentations and discussions. During the event there were 5 presentations and a panel session by colleagues and associates from UHI, Applied Arts Scotland, RGU, TU Dublin School of Creative Arts, Edify, and Lateral North together with independent creative practitioners based in Shetland.

The objectives of the workshop included:
Exploring the content requirements and support for Knowledge Exchange for the Immersive Scotland network;
Identify the virtual requirements of the network (website design) for multiple stakeholders;
Developing potential ideation ideas for Knowledge Exchange and collaboration;
To showcase the immersive work happening in island and remote rural locations.
Speaker presentations and discussion themes included:
• The importance of breaking down the barriers for craft practitioners to incorporate virtual reality (VR) into their processes.
• The potential of immersive technologies for enhancing pedagogy, material culture and heritage.
The role of immersive technologies within socially engaged art practice.
Discussion Summary
It was noted that the theme of human connection that was present throughout the presentations... that although the session was focused on immersive technologies, themes of connecting others, whether internationally, intergenerationally or spiritually, and the connection between humans and the earth/nature were prominent. Participants were interested in GDPR in terms of using software and storing work as well as university permission for using software. The Oculus headsets are linked to Facebook (Meta) so finding ways to create profiles without using student details had to be addressed. Roxane noted the difficulties in getting her institution to agree to let them use specific platforms and the time that took.

Extracts from Workshop Survey Feedback
1. Did the workshop enhance your understanding of the opportunities for using Immersive technologies (ImT) within the creative industries?
“Yes, a lot. I didn't know anything about ImT before the workshop.”
“Yes, I definitely gained a lot of new insights into ImT opportunities today.”
“Good variety of projects utilising different immersive technologies to great effect.“
“Hearing from others interested in ImT is useful and broadens existing knowledge.“
2. What did you find most informative from the workshop? What did you gain most from the day?
“The human element that came out, exploiting immersive tech to to express our humanity.” The presentation's were very interesting and the panel discussion provides good opportunity to share ideas and opinions.
3. Are there any aspects of the workshop which could have been improved upon or you would like to see included in future Immersive Scotland events?
“This format worked well for an online event and especially appreciate inclusion of participants from across the country, including Ireland in this one.”
4. What type of content/information would you like to have available through the Immersive Scotland website?
“The widest variety of ways of sharing content about what is being developed, has been developed, and opportunities for involvement.“
“If there was a directory of members and speakers that contained a biography and contact details then that would allow follow up networking opportunities for follow up discussions or collaboration. All with permission of course.“
5. What would you like to have available to support your use and understanding of ImT on the IS website? “A forum for discussions?“
6. Do you have any examples of or current projects where you might want to introduce an immersive technology aspect? What might the benefits or barriers be?
“One barrier is cost of hardware and software, another is access to training. Distance Project is great as it broke the cost barrier with loaning the hardware, and also the training barrier.”
“Discussions or presentations on design methodologies would be very helpful with the context of ImT.”
7. How could the Immersive Scotland network help create new opportunities and collaborations for you to explore?
“By being a forum to share information and opportunities.“
“A member’s directory.”

Period	29 Apr 2022
Event type	Workshop
Location	Shetland and Aberdeen , United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National