Guest talk by Dr Wenge Xu at Computing Seminar

On 21 August 2026, the School of Computing welcomed Dr Wenge Xu, Senior Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction at Birmingham City University, for a seminar exploring how immersive technologies can be designed to be more accessible and deliver meaningful real-world impact.

Dr Xu presented his ongoing research in accessible interaction, mixed reality (combining augmented reality – AR and virtual reality – VR), and real-world simulation, with a significant emphasis on designing technology around diverse user needs.

Dr Xu discussed research into how sign language interpreters can be rendered effectively in VR, where users can move freely and look around a 360-degree environment. The work considered both the positioning of interpreters, ways of directing users towards the person currently speaking thereby improving awareness of the physical surroundings and introducing familiar people into virtual environments to support users who may otherwise feel uncomfortable or disorientated.

Dr Xu also discussed hands-free interaction in VR, particularly for users who may find conventional controllers difficult or impossible to operate. The research presented explored alternative interaction methods including head movement and intentional eye blinking, demonstrating how interaction methods can be reconsidered and redesigned around different capabilities and needs of different users.

On health and wellbeing, Dr Xu explored the relationship between games and physical and mental health. He highlighted studies comparing VR games with traditional displays, including their potential to encourage physical activity and provide engaging experiences. Dr Xu also presented research investigating regular VR gaming and virtual pet therapy for disabled people. Initial results indicate that the experiences have the potential to reduce depression and improve mental health.

The seminar then demonstrated how VR can support research into autonomous vehicles and the experiences of deaf and hard-of-hearing pedestrians. Simulated road-crossing studies highlighted the importance of involving disabled people directly in design and evaluation, including understanding how combinations of visual and auditory information may support communication between pedestrians and autonomous vehicles.

These themes have a direct connection with our User Experience Design module, where understanding users and creating accessible, effective and inclusive interactions are important considerations. The seminar provided practical research examples of how user experience principles can extend beyond conventional interfaces into emerging immersive environments.

The visit also builds on an existing academic relationship, with Dr Xu having previously served as an external examiner for one of our MSc research students. The seminar therefore provided a valuable platform for sharing expertise while opening conversations around future research and academic collaboration.
Thanks to Dr Noman Hanoosh and Professor Harin Sellahewa for supporting this guest seminar.