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The Immersive Interactive Systems (IIS) Research Group, housed within the Computer Science Department, advances the fundamental algorithms, architectures, and interaction paradigms that underpin next-generation immersive experiences. We approach immersion as a computational problem—spanning virtual reality, game engines, spatial computing, sensor fusion, and human-centered artificial intelligence—with the goal of building robust, scalable, and perceptually adaptive systems.
While our work is deeply grounded in computer science, we embrace a multidisciplinary ethos by collaborating closely with cognitive science, education, engineering, and the arts to ensure our systems are not only technically sophisticated but also usable, accessible, and ethically sound. Our research bridges the gap between low-level systems optimization and high-level human experience, producing novel software frameworks, interaction techniques, and empirical insights that push the boundaries of how humans interact with digital content. At IIS, we build the foundational technologies that will define the future of virtual worlds, spatial computing, telepresence, and technology-enhanced learning.
Focus Areas
Focus Areas
The IIS group organizes its computer science–centric research into four interconnected focus areas:
1. Virtual Reality & Game Development
This area focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of immersive virtual environments and interactive experiences. Leveraging industry-standard game engines and emerging XR platforms, we explore novel interaction paradigms, narrative structures, and performance optimization techniques that define the next generation of VR applications and serious games.
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Key Themes: Immersive game design and development; VR interaction mechanics and locomotion techniques; procedural content generation for virtual worlds; cross-platform XR development frameworks; serious games for training, simulation, and behavior change; and user experience evaluation methodologies for immersive entertainment.
2. Embodied Interaction & Multimodal Interfaces
This area investigates how users interact with immersive systems through natural, unencumbered modalities. We design and evaluate novel input techniques, gesture recognition algorithms, and haptic feedback mechanisms that leverage computer vision, sensor fusion, and machine learning.
3. Networked Immersion & Distributed Systems
This area addresses the systems-level challenges of delivering low-latency, scalable, and consistent immersive experiences across networks. We build the infrastructure necessary for real-time collaboration, large-scale virtual environments, and cloud-rendered XR.
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Key Themes: 5G/6G edge computing for XR; latency compensation and predictive synchronization; distributed state management for massive multiuser environments; cloud gaming and remote rendering architectures; and security, privacy, and identity management in persistent virtual spaces.
4. AI-Mediated Experience & Adaptive Systems
This area leverages artificial intelligence to create immersive environments that dynamically adapt to individual users' behaviors, preferences, and cognitive states. We develop generative models, reinforcement learning frameworks, and user modeling techniques that personalize interaction in real time.
5. Educational Technology & Immersive Learning
This area focuses on the application of immersive interactive systems to transform teaching, training, and lifelong learning. We design, develop, and rigorously evaluate VR/AR interventions that enhance engagement, knowledge retention, and skill acquisition across formal and informal educational contexts.
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Key Themes: Immersive learning environments and virtual classrooms; serious games and gamification for education; simulation-based training (medical, technical, vocational); accessibility and inclusive design in educational XR; learning analytics and assessment in immersive environments; and teacher-facing tools for XR-enabled instruction.
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