PhD project in force-based haptics for enhanced metaverse navigation for the vision-impaired

We are offering a self-funded PhD position with our Institute of Digital Futures, focusing on developing force-based haptic feedback systems to improve metaverse navigation for vision-impaired users.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions about the project or would like to arrange an informal discussion, please reach out to Dr Nadine Aburumman at nadine.aburumman@brunel.ac.uk.

Research area

The rapid growth of the metaverse presents an unprecedented opportunity for immersive social, educational, and professional experiences. Yet vision-impaired users face significant accessibility challenges that delay their participation and engagement.

This PhD project seeks to bridge this gap by leveraging force-based haptic feedback to develop an innovative solution that allows vision-impaired individuals to access and navigate virtual environments seamlessly.

Project description

You will play a key role in advancing research on how force-based haptics can be used to improve navigation and interaction for vision-impaired users in virtual environments. This project aims to develop a haptic interface that conveys spatial and interaction-based information through tactile feedback, providing a platform for you to develop your skills and make impactful contributions.

Key focus areas

As a PhD candidate, you will focus on:

Force-feedback algorithms: Develop and refine algorithms to provide realistic haptic feedback
Haptic device integration: Integrate haptic devices with metaverse platforms to enable real-time, synchronised feedback
User studies: Conduct trials with vision-impaired participants to gather feedback and refine interface designs
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Work with experts in human-computer interaction, AI, and digital innovation to develop comprehensive solutions

Research approach

This project employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining advanced haptic technology with user-centred design to enhance Metaverse navigation. You will:

Develop force-feedback algorithms: Create and optimise algorithms to simulate textures, resistance, and directional cues
Integrate haptic devices: Ensure seamless connection between haptic hardware and metaverse software
Conduct user studies: Gather and analyse data from vision-impaired participants to assess the effectiveness of haptic cues
Collaborate across disciplines: Work with interdisciplinary teams to integrate findings from various fields, ensuring a holistic approach to the research

Who we're looking for

Your passion for exploring and advancing this field will be essential, as will your innovative thinking to develop creative solutions to complex problems. While previous experience in conducting research, especially in haptic technology or accessibility, is highly valued, it is not a strict requirement.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Nadine Aburumman - Nadine researches real-time computer graphics and leads the Graphics and Extended Reality Team (GERT). She is a member of the Centre for AI: Social and Digital Innovation, where she co-coordinated the AI Centre Thought Leadership series (TLS) for two years (2023 and 2024). She is also a member of the Interactive Multimedia System (IMS) research group. Before joining Brunel, Nadine was a research associate at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (ICN) at University College London (UCL). Prior to that, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the Computer Science Research Institute of Toulouse (IRIT) funded by Centre International de Mathématiques et Informatique de Toulouse (CIMI) after a successful grant acquisition for 2 years (€ 100K). Before that, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, in the Institute for Multiscale Simulation (MSS). She completed her PhD studies in the ALCOR Lab at Sapienza University of Rome after being awarded a PhD Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.

Related Research Group(s)

Human Computer Interaction - Investigating ways in which humans and computers can interact through intuitive interface design, understanding of human factors and multimedia.

Intelligent Data Analysis - Concerned with effective analysis of data involving artificial intelligence, dynamic systems, image and signal processing, optimisation, pattern recognition, statistics and visualisation.