Responsible media experience design ✦ Thesis project for Yleisradio Oy ✦ 2023
Media organizations leverage virtual environments to deliver events and experiences to diverse audiences. As technological innovations continue to evolve, it is essential for these organizations to prioritize responsible design in virtual media productions.
Picture: Yle
Immersive virtual experiences are transforming industries like media, enabling new forms of social interaction and fostering connections in the metaverse. These environments allow users to build parasocial relationships with virtual characters, creating unique experiences.
However, these innovations also present challenges. In my thesis project, I developed responsible design guidelines to address these issues, focusing on user autonomy, cognitive and emotional dimensions, and virtual character and platform qualities. These guidelines, which include 17 checklist items for implementation, help media organizations create ethical and inclusive metaverse experiences.
Target group mapping
Choosing the virtual platform
Event planning
Event situation assessment
Mapping of problem areas
Learnings ✺
Media productions designed for broad audiences must consider the diverse needs of viewers. Key factors influencing how media is perceived include both emotional and cognitive dimensions. Acknowledging the variety of attributes that individuals bring to their media experience is crucial for creating responsible and inclusive content.
To translate research findings into actionable outcomes, it is essential to focus on informed decision-making, adhere to organizational best practices, and prioritize employee education.