Persona Page: Alex – The Academic Innovator

Location: St. Pölten UAS, Austria
Focus: Establishing the foundation and preparing a project proposal.

• Path to Reality: Exposé
  Alex proposes a research-driven project focusing on developing a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of XR-based gamified tools in academic or research environments.
• Design & Innovation
  The Innovation & Creative Problem-Solving course helps Alex identify gaps in existing XR evaluation frameworks and conceptualize new metrics.
• Didactics and Gamification
  The Augmented and Virtual Reality in Health, Industry, and Education module introduces XR applications that inspire innovative research use cases.
• Development and Implementation
  Sessions in Applied Artificial Intelligence explore how AI techniques can improve XR’s adaptability in academic contexts.
• Evaluation and Dissemination
  The Bootcamp introduces EntreComp principles, helping Alex align the research framework with academic and real-world needs.

Deliverables

1. A project exposé outlining the framework’s goals, research questions, and methodology.
2. A literature review of existing XR evaluation tools and their limitations.
3. A conceptual model for an XR evaluation framework, validated through initial feedback.
4. A presentation to lecturers, peers, and mentors for input and refinement.

Support

• Regular study coach sessions to refine the research focus and methodology.
• Scheduled meetings (minimum of three) with an academic mentor to discuss research alignment with academic innovation goals.

Location: Saxion UAS, The Netherlands
Focus: Building and testing an initial prototype.

• Path to Reality: Low-Fidelity Prototype
  Alex develops a low-fidelity prototype of the evaluation framework, focusing on metrics like user engagement, learning outcomes, and gamification effectiveness.
• Design & Innovation
  The Design & Implementation of XR Learning Experiences course helps Alex create user-friendly academic tools for applying the framework.
• Didactics and Gamification
  The Principles of Gamification Design module supports the integration of gamified metrics into the framework.
• Development and Implementation
  Practical sessions in Prototype Development guide Alex in translating conceptual models into functional frameworks.
• Evaluation and Dissemination
  User feedback sessions with researchers test the framework’s usability and accuracy.

Deliverables

1. A low-fidelity prototype of the evaluation framework, validated with sample data.
2. A user feedback report documenting strengths and areas for improvement.
3. A research paper draft detailing the framework’s design and initial findings.
4. A progress presentation to lecturers, peers, and mentors.

Support

• Study coach sessions to guide academic writing and testing phases.
• Mentor meetings (minimum of three) to validate the framework’s relevance and feasibility.

Location: Vidzeme UAS, Latvia
Focus: Refining the prototype into a high-fidelity, market-ready solution.

• Path to Reality: High-Fidelity Prototype
  Alex refines the evaluation framework, integrating advanced analytics and user customization options.
• Design & Innovation
  Participation in a Hackathon offers an opportunity to gather interdisciplinary insights and test the framework with diverse stakeholders.
• Didactics and Gamification
  Advanced modules in Usability Testing and Evaluation ensure the framework meets academic and practical needs.
• Development and Implementation
  Advanced technical sessions focus on incorporating AI-based insights and adaptive features into the framework.
• Evaluation and Dissemination
  Alex documents feedback and explores strategies for scaling the framework for global academic use.

Deliverables

1. A high-fidelity prototype of the framework, including advanced features.
2. A validation study using real-world academic or research data.
3. A collaboration report summarizing stakeholder input and interdisciplinary contributions.
4. A presentation showcasing the framework’s impact to lecturers, peers, and mentors.

Support

• Study coach sessions to align goals and manage research challenges.
• Mentor meetings (minimum of three) to refine the framework and ensure academic rigor.

Location: Client Organisation or Healthcare Setting
Focus: Final testing, data collection, and thesis completion.

• Path to Reality: Implementation and Evaluation
  Alex tests the framework at scale within academic or research environments, analyzing its impact on XR-based gamification research.
• Design & Innovation
  Workshops in Innovation Management support strategies for global dissemination of the framework.
• Didactics and Gamification
  Feedback from large-scale testing refines gamification metrics and usability.
• Development and Implementation
  Final adjustments ensure the framework is robust and deployment-ready.
• Evaluation and Dissemination
  Alex completes a thesis documenting the framework’s development, validation, and contributions to academic research.

Deliverables

1. A final evaluation framework validated in academic settings.
2. A thesis detailing the framework’s creation, findings, and broader academic implications.
3. A research publication prepared for submission to a journal.
4. A final presentation to lecturers, peers, and stakeholders.

Support

• Study coach sessions to finalize the thesis and plan post-programme research activities.
• Mentor meetings (minimum of three) to guide large-scale validation and dissemination efforts.