Two UC teams won the second and third place and cash awards of Viverse Spark Global University Challenge social experience category!
Metaverse through Web XR
Soical Expereince CategorAwards:
2nd Place, $2,500. – Restaurant world, University of Cincinnati. Camryn Lansdell, Liv Adkins, Bekah Selent, Morgan Pascarella.
3rd Place, $1,500 – OTR 12th and Vine, University of Cincinnati. Eian Bennett, David David, Corban McIntosh, Dharma Patel, Erik Mathys
ARCH 7036-04/ARCH5051-04.Elective Theory Seminar, SAID, DAAP, Spring 2025
Faculty: Ming Tang, Professor in Architecture and Interior Design, DAAP. Director of Extended Reality Lab. XR-Lab
Seminar Description
This seminar invites students to explore the intersection of architecture, history, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies by reimagining the past through digital heritage. Drawing on historic documents and archival materials from Cincinnati, students will work closely with historians to reconstruct a Cincinnati neighborhood as it existed in the 1950s, allowing users to step back in time and experience its spaces and stories through immersive visualization and virtual reality (VR).
Throughout the semester, students will investigate how generative AI, virtual reality (VR), and interactive visualization can preserve and reinterpret cultural memory. Using Unreal Engine as the primary platform, participants will design interactive VR environments for mobile headsets, creating spaces where history, atmosphere, and narrative merge into immersive experiences. The seminar aligns with UNESCO’s Memory of the World initiative, emphasizing the preservation of documentary and architectural heritage for future generations.
In addition to a large collaborative group project, each student will conduct a samll individual research-based design investigation focused on a “lost” historic artifact—such as a forgotten art work or street furniture. Through AI-assisted modeling, reality capture, and digital prototyping, students will gain hands-on experience reconstructing the intangible layers of history while developing advanced technical and conceptual skills in digital heritage creation.
Journal Paper: Virtual Reality Training to De-escalate Patient Aggressive Behavior: A Pilot Study
Daraiseh, N. M., Tang, M., Macaluso, M., Aeschbury, M., Bachtel, A., Nikolaenko, M., … Vaughn, A. (2025). Virtual Reality Training to De-escalate Patient Aggressive Behavior: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2025.2576635
Abstract
Despite intensive crisis de-escalation training, psychiatric staff continue to face high injury rates from aggressive patient interactions (APIs). New approaches are needed to enhance the application of effective strategies in managing APIs. This study explored the efficacy and feasibility of VR training for psychiatric staff in recognizing and selecting appropriate de-escalation interventions. A quasi-experimental design with psychiatric staff (N = 33) tested the effectiveness and feasibility of VR training depicting a common API interaction. Effectiveness was assessed through pre-post comparisons of the Confidence in Coping with Patient Aggression (CCPA) survey, correct answer percentages, response times, and attempt success rates. Feasibility was indicated by mean scores above ‘neutral’ on usability, presence, and learner satisfaction surveys. Results showed significant improvements in response times and confidence (p<.0001), with over 75% of participants rating the training positively. VR training is effective and feasible for enhancing de-escalation skills, offering a promising approach for psychiatric facilities.
More information on the project Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Simulation. P1,P2
As the XR-Lab continues to grow and welcome more talented students, I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve officially moved into our new home — Suite 320 in the Digital Futures Building!
We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support from the University of Cincinnati in making this transition possible. This new space will allow us to expand our research, collaboration, and innovation in immersive technologies.
We warmly invite you to stop by, explore our new lab, and experience one of our mixed reality demos in action!
workshop: Artistic Intelligence Mixer: Embedding and Embodying AI in Everyday Life
Midwest Conference. 2025. Cincinnati, OH. 9.10.2025
Sponsored by: UC DAAP and FotoFocus
This dynamic, hands-on workshop invited participants to step beyond theory and into living with AI. Through interactive exercises and scenario-based challenges, attendees explored how artificial intelligence could be seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily life—not just as a tool, but as an embedded and embodied presence.
Guided by design thinking methods, we collaboratively imagined responsible, human-centered, and artistically inspired AI-driven products, systems, and experiences. Together, we examined the opportunities and tensions that arise when AI moves off the screen and into the spaces, objects, and interactions that shape our everyday world.
Participants left with new perspectives on what it means to design AI that is creative, ethical, and deeply connected to the human experience.
Speakers
Claudia B. Rebola, PhD, DAAP (College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning), Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs
Caroline Anderson, DAAP, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts
Isabel Potworowski, DAAP, Assistant Professor of Architecture
Ming Tang, University of Cincinnati, Professor, Director of Extended Reality Lab
Sangyong Cho, Assistant Professor
Heekyoung Jung, Assoicate Professor
