Open Topics for Theses and Projects

In this subject area, you will explore the influence of virtual embodiment on the interaction of body and mind. Virtual reality makes it possible to slip into new roles, see your own body from new perspectives and experience yourself in a new way. Together, we will examine the extent to which the representation of one's own body, the way in which one encounters and interacts with the virtual self-image and the virtual environment itself influence subjective body awareness and (physical) mindfulness. Depending on interest and experience, project and final theses (Bachelor and Master) with different focuses are possible:

Development of new methods for interacting with your own virtual body
Implementation of interaction methods, modeling of virtual environments
Evaluation: planning, implementation and evaluation of a scientific study

If you are interested, please contact Nina Döllinger

In this subject area, you will explore how virtual realities can be used, for example, to change individual environmental behavior or cure mental illness. Based on the BehaveFIT model by Wienrich, Hein and Döllinger (2021), you can derive specific impact factors. You can also further develop a VR prevention program against cyberbullying and test its effectiveness. These topics can be worked on in cooperation with the UKW Würzburg. Depending on your interests and experience, project and final theses (Bachelor's and Master's) with different focuses are possible:

Development of new intervention or prevention approaches
Implementation of interaction methods, modeling of virtual environments.
Evaluation: planning, implementation and evaluation of a scientific study.

If you are interested, please contact Carolin Wienrich

In this subject area, you will research the effects that various features of intelligent and interactive systems (AI-based systems) have on people's experience. XR technologies offer completely new possibilities for investigation because you can change these features in a controlled and systematic way. Design industrial robots or personal assistance systems in virtual reality or mixed reality - human-centered and innovative. eXTended AI therefore combines the potential of XR technologies and AI-based systems. Collaboration with industry may be possible in this area. Depending on interest and experience, project and final theses (Bachelor and Master) with different focuses are possible:

Development of new human-centered AI-human interactions.
Implementation of XR environments to simulate these interactions.
Evaluation: Planning, implementation and evaluation of a scientific study.

If you are interested, please contact Carolin Wienrich

In this subject area, you will explore which skills people need when dealing with (AI-based) systems. In addition to knowledge from computer science, the model by Wienrich and Carolus (2021) focuses primarily on attitudes, emotions and ethical aspects. A wide range of fields of application can be explored here. Data from a 1-year long-term study can be used for the work, active participation in the third-party funded MOTIV project or addressing your own questions. Depending on interest and experience, project and final theses (Bachelor and Master) with different focuses are possible:

Evaluation and presentation of existing data.
Implementation of new questionnaires and data collection instruments.
Evaluation: Planning, implementation and evaluation of a scientific study.

If you are interested, please contact Carolin Wienrich

In this subject area, you will explore what new possibilities there are when drivers of autonomous vehicles gain more free time while driving through automation. New entertainment and work concepts can be explored and new technologies can be tested. The working group has a small driving simulator that can be connected to various VR glasses. Depending on interest and experience, project and final theses (Bachelor's and Master's) with different focuses are possible:

Development of new concepts.
Implementation of new concepts with the driving simulator.
Evaluation: Planning, implementation and evaluation of a scientific study.

If you are interested, please contact Carolin Wienrich

In this subject area, you will explore whether and how people feel psychological ownership of virtual objects and environments in virtual and mixed reality. How can we use this sense of ownership to make VR and AR/MR more accessible and support therapeutic projects?
Depending on interest and experience, project and final theses (Bachelor and Master) with different focuses are possible:

- Comparison of Psychological Ownership in VR and AR (e.g. of video games)
- Implementation of psychological ownership paradigms, modeling and programming of virtual environments
- Evaluation: Planning, implementation and evaluation of a scientific study

If you are interested, please contact Jana Krauss

In this subject area, you will explore how we can use virtual reality to combat the growing problem of digital bullying (cyberbullying). To do this, you will join the existing TooCloseVR project. Within the project, a full-day workshop and a VR environment have already been developed to give students empathy for those affected and to educate them about cyberbullying.
Depending on interest and experience, project and final theses (Bachelor's and Master's) with different focuses are possible:
- Further development of the existing workshop (e.g. training teachers, feasibility tests)
- Implementation of new elements in an existing project, modeling and programming of virtual environments
- Evaluation: Planning, implementation and evaluation of a scientific study

If you are interested, please contact Jana Krauss