UC Santa Cruz

My dissertation research has explored the potential of novel interactive prototypes aimed at supporting social connection and understanding in social virtual reality (VR) meetings. Working with a research team, I engaged in a Research through Design (RtD) process to prototype design interventions, and to evaluate their effectiveness in supporting team process through targeted surveys, focus group interviews, lab studies, and technology probes. This work resulted in both conceptual and practice-focused contributions, deepening understanding of how novel design interventions might scaffold social processes in meetings, support balanced participation, help people come to decisions, and achieve shared support for ideas.