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Designing and Conducting Empirical Research with XR Technology

Module #41306 - Summer Semester 2026

This course teaches theoretical foundations and practical skills for planning, conducting, and evaluating empirical studies in human-computer interaction with AR/VR systems. Students will learn to formulate research questions, design studies specific to AR/VR contexts, conduct user studies, analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and present scientific results. The AR/VR prototype is provided and does not need to be developed by students. Registration is open via ISIS. This module is particularly relevant for students planning to apply for a thesis at the HCI group.

Dates

Registration Deadline: 14.04.2026
Course Start: Summer Semester 2026

Learning Outcomes

  • Formulate precise, empirically testable research questions and hypotheses in the context of AR/VR interactions
  • Select appropriate empirical methods (e.g., controlled experiments, usability studies, mixed methods) and develop complete study designs
  • Apply AR/VR-specific evaluation procedures, integrating aspects like immersion, presence, motion sickness, spatial interaction, and body tracking
  • Recruit participants, obtain consent, conduct studies independently, and reliably collect data
  • Collect, document, clean, and prepare qualitative and quantitative data for analysis
  • Apply basic statistical methods (descriptive, t-tests/ANOVA) and qualitative analysis methods (coding, thematic analysis)
  • Critically evaluate results, identify methodological strengths and weaknesses, and draw justified conclusions
  • Present study results clearly and convincingly with tables, figures, and interpretations

Course Content

  • Foundations of empirical research in HCI
  • Formulation of research questions and hypotheses
  • Study designs for AR/VR (controlled experiments, usability studies, mixed methods)
  • Specific metrics in AR/VR (immersion, presence, motion sickness, spatial orientation, task performance)
  • Creation of study materials (protocols, tasks, questionnaires, consent forms)
  • Conducting user studies with participants distributed within the course group (no external recruitment necessary)
  • Collection and preparation of qualitative and quantitative data
  • Introduction to basic statistical procedures and qualitative analysis methods
  • Interpretation of results and reflection on validity, reliability, and limitations
  • Preparation and visualization of results (tables, figures, key findings)

Course Format

The course follows a bi-weekly alternation between content sessions and open lab work phases.

  • Bi-weekly seminar and feedback sessions where students present their current work progress
  • Sessions combine short content inputs with structured discussion and direct feedback
  • Brief introduction to basic Unity scripting for understanding the provided AR/VR prototype (no development work required)
  • Open lab weeks for individual work on studies, testing prototypes, or conducting data collection
  • Self-learning materials on empirical methods, study designs, analysis techniques, and AR/VR evaluation approaches

Assessment

  • Term paper (7-8 pages) describing and discussing statistical analyses covered in the seminar
  • Language: German or English
  • Individual work, with provided AR/VR prototype

Course Details

  • Credits: 6 ECTS
  • Language: German/English
  • Format: Seminar (SEM), 2 SWS
  • Maximum participants: 20
  • Duration: 1 semester
  • Workload: 180 hours (30h attendance, 150h preparation/follow-up)
  • Module responsible: Prof. Ceenu George
  • Contact: Esteli Mariana Garcia (e.garcia@tu-berlin.de)
  • Prerequisites: Programming knowledge recommended

Registration

  • Registration via ISIS course and survey: ISIS Course Link
  • Registration open until April 14, 2026 (flexible deadline)
  • Students can drop out until 3 days before the first exam