Title	Group Dynamics in Collaborative Virtual Reality
Role	Lead Researcher
Methods	Interviews, N=26, Phenomenological Analsysis
Results	Socially-based experiences of embodiment, e.g., sense of mutual agency
Impact	Developed a UX framework for Social VR, identifying 5 key design pillars – from shared sensory feedback to co-created environments – that measurably increase group cohesion and player immersion in Social VR.

Title	Towards VR as Empathy Machine
Role	Lead Researcher
Methods	Experimental observation (2×2), N=96, think aloud protocol, content analysis, questionnaire
Results	No empathizing in VR without an excplicit task
Impact	Challenged the “Visual-First” immersion myth; developed design requirements for active-reflection tasks and sensory-rich scenarios that prevent “identity tourism” and ensure meaningful user engagement in prosocial VR experiences.

Title	Toxicity in Co-op Games
Role	Mentor
Methods	Experimental observations (N=23), NASA TLX self-reports, and interviews
Results	Frustration with team-mates is not reported via regular metrics
Impact	Translated player behavior studies into game design strategies for cooperative mechanics, identifying that teammate competence directly scales player strategic engagement and that communication-heavy loops can neutralize mechanical frustration.

Title	The Impact of Heart Rate on Player Experience in Board Games
Role	Mentor
Methods	Research through Design (RtD), N=10/20/5
Results	Prototyping game mechanics and the game prototype artifact
Impact	Pioneered a framework for Bio-Responsive Game Mechanics, utilizing real-time heart rate (HR) data to drive in-game events like “Stress Shots” and “Panic Mode.” Developed design patterns that transform physiological stress into a strategic resource for social deception and high-stakes gameplay.

Title	AI-Supported Onboarding in Video Games
Role	Mentor
Methods	Qualitative user study (N = 20) – observations, game play data, and interviews (thematic analysis)
Results	Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining control over how AI is used during onboarding and the freedom to choose their support level.
Impact	Developed design guidelines for Adaptive AI Onboarding that prioritizes player agency and trust. Specialized in translating AI flexibility into personalized learning paths that reduce friction without over-investing in temporary tutorials.

Title	Player Cooperation in a Co-located Cooperative Exergames
Role	Mentor
Methods	Within-participants, mixed-methods user study (N = 24)
Results	Cooperative play in exergames improves social experiences, drives increased team identification and relatedness.
Impact	Translated research into Social Design Guidelines for multiplayer experiences in co-located setting, prioritizing individual agency within team tasks to accommodate varied skill levels. Recommended “Workload Redirection” techniques to turn cognitive stress into rewarding team-building moments.

Title	Immersive Experiences in Video Game Play
Role	Lead researcher
Methods	Interviews (N=8), Phenomenological analysis
Results	Dual dynamic nature of immersion in video games
Impact	Developed a Dual-Immersion Framework to optimize player engagement by distinguishing between “Simulation Presence” (action-based) and “Narrative Engagement” (story-based). Created an adaptive design approach that allows players to toggle agency and POV, preventing burnout by shifting focus between self-action and story progression.

Title	Social Inequalities in Social VR
Role	Lead Researcher
Methods	Survey, N=120, Structured Qualitative Data, Thematic Analysis
Results	Relationship between power dynamics and key Social VR affordances
Impact	Evaluated the UX of Safety & Reporting in virtual spaces, advocating for consistent, standardized safety affordances across platforms to reduce user cognitive load. Established the critical role of anonymity as a tool for empowerment rather than just a vector for harm, informing more nuanced moderation and T&S policies.