Bek Wa Goro

Research

Subject

Entering the Frame – Expressing Concepts for Hyper Immersive Experiences

First and second supervisors

Ava Fatah gen. Schieck
Dr Simon Julier

Abstract

Recent technological developments, particularly in Spatial Computing and Extended Reality, have catalysed the evolution of narrative art forms, facilitating the creation and dissemination of deeply immersive experiences. Here, audiences can be embedded in cinematic film environments where they are able to interact directly with characters who may be guided by Artificial Intelligence systems that dynamically respond to their actions.

‘Hyper Immersivity’ is a new term that I have coined to describe experiences in which participants are positioned as an integral element of the creative narrative. Hyper Immersivity moves beyond the idea of passive spectatorship, transforming audiences into active co- creators of their experiences. This encompasses various forms of art — installation pieces, interactive films, mixed reality storytelling, and more — while utilising cutting-edge technology to weave intricate experiences that extend into the realms of gaming, dance, and music.

Hyper Immersivity empowers audiences to engage with narratives in unprecedented ways, merging physical and digital spaces to enable autonomous navigation and influence over the narrative’s course. This participatory design results in diverse, individualised narrative experiences, as each participant’s journey unfolds uniquely, embodying a personalised yet shared experience.
This doctoral research proposes a new framework, which I describe as ‘Production Architecture’, to address the conceptual development phase in creative expressions of Hyper Immersivity.
The complexities inherent in designing for Hyper Immersivity lie in the challenge of articulating nonlinear, immersive narratives for stakeholders throughout the production cycle. Conventional storytelling tools, such as screenplays, storyboards, and previsualisation, are often insufficient for conveying the spatial and interactive dimensions of immersive media. The absence of a standardised framework for expressing these emergent storytelling forms further complicates the expression of concepts in this medium.

This practice-led research advances the Production Architecture framework, introducing novel terminologies, script formats, and procedural guidelines specifically crafted for immersive storytelling. The overarching aim of this research is to establish a comprehensive methodology that can inform industry practices, enhancing both the artistic possibilities and practical execution of Hyper Immersivity through a holistic approach to its development and expression.

Biography

Bek Wa Goro is a writer and music artist based in London. He graduated with a first-class honours degree in Film and Television from University of the Arts London and has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from both Birkbeck College and University of the Arts London. He is currently engaged in the Architectural Space and Computation MPhil/PhD programme at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London. His practice-led research introduces 'Production Architecture' - a new methodology aimed at refining the conceptualisation and development processes for Immersive Storytelling.

Links

Image: Bek Wa Goro x DALL·E (This image was generated with the assistance of AI)