2025-07-02 –, Theil C2-3 (22p)
Transformation starts with resonance, resonance begins with a spark.
In this workshop, we’ll explore what makes immersive experiences emotionally impactful. Together we’ll explore the concept of transformative experiences, compare practical insights, and thereby gain new perspectives on designing XR of the future.
What makes artistic immersive experiences emotionally impactful? In this workshop, we will invite participants to use our Transformative Spark framework to explore different XR-works and identify moments that help create a personal ‘spark’.
By reflecting and comparing practical experiences with others, we will uncover patterns in how resonance and meaning emerges from interactivity.
Rather than focusing solely on theory, this hands-on workshop invites participants to step into the role of both interactor, methodologist, and designer. Through experience, guided discussion and analysis participants will engage deeply with XR asking: What resonates with them and why? How do their insights and experiences compare to others?
Using the Transformative Spark framework, we will sharpen our understanding about how design choices and interactions shape meaningful and transformative artistic experiences. By the end, participants will leave with new perspectives on designing for resonance and impact and the diverse ways people connect with XR and themselves.
Dr. Christian Roth is an advocate for positive change through immersive narrative experiences that encourage experimentation and perspective-taking. As a media psychologist, specialised in human-computer-interaction (HCI), he integrates diverse disciplines and creative expressions to engage learners on their educational journey.
Currently based at the HKU University of the Arts Utrecht in the Netherlands (www.hku.nl/), Dr. Roth is a dedicated Research Fellow at the Research Group (Dis)connected Technology & Creativity and educator at the HKU School of Games specializing in interactive narrative, educational games, and meaningful design. Dr. Roth also founded DELTA Innovative Learning a consultancy company for immersive learning experiences. His work stands at the intersection of academia, education, art, and practical application, exploring and evaluating the use of interactive narratives and extended realities for personal growth and transformative learning.
Dr. Roth is involved in a series of European projects on the topics of games, storytelling, art and education. More under his website www.spieleforschung.de/en
Dr. Joanneke Weerdmeester is a behavioural scientist dedicated to designing and validating digital and hybrid experiences that help us understand and manage our well-being in interactive, playful, and meaningful ways. Her doctoral research explored the potential of game-based biofeedback interventions for anxiety regulation. She currently works as a researcher at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht and as a freelance consultant, bridging the fields of science, healthcare, and game design.
Dr. Nick Degens is an expert in the field of interactive creative digital technology and is professor of (Dis)Connected Creativity & Technology at the Utrecht University of the Arts.
His background lies primarily in the integration of technology, creativity, user-centered design, user psychology, design research, and artificial intelligence. This mainly in the context of international and interdisciplinary applied research projects in which he works together with the ICT sector, SMEs from the Creative Industry, and public organisations & governments.
The ambition of his work so far has been to systematically understand how interactive creative technology can be used to achieve long-term positive and meaningful behaviour change. He does so from three research perspectives: 1) applying creative AI techniques to support society and individuals in their digital transformation (e.g. DALL·E and ChatGPT), 2) develop innovative technology, such as Virtual or Augmented Reality, to help deal with societal challenges, and 3) understanding how technology should be implemented in the life and work of people to ensure that it is meaningful, useful, and relevant (digital literacy and inclusion).