Valuable Feedback from Focus Group

In a direct follow-on from my previous post, I met with my focus group (possibly for the final time) to review the galleries that the immersive group designed and to discuss the use of VR in creative arts education in the future.

Firstly, I would like to share the feedback and thoughts the focus group had about their fellow students VR galleries. I have typed up and listed their comments, under each question, in no particular order -

What did you think of Helen's, Nikki's and Carl's galleries?

• I think they were very immersive and the themes they created went perfectly with their style of photograph.
• Hellen use of light, whether or not intentional, created a definite route [to follow] on the floor. The vast airy white space reflects the theme of memory.
• Exciting, talented, shows possibilities of where [art]work 'can go'. Love the textures, colour tones within Nikki's [gallery] and love the shadows and lighting strategically placed in Helens.
• Nikki's is very claustrophobic but the bright and colour full ,photographs make it work. The textures add to the story. I like the theme.
• Helen's intentional bright lines and shadows on the floor direct you, like line on a road... this is the order I want to see the work. A great sense of space.
• The building itself, the alcoves work just like a frame.

What do these galleries offer that images alone do not?

• Ability to explore different contexts. Explore scale and context in more detail.
• Examples of how work can be displayed, show [the] scale of where [art]works can go.
• Context and scale. Gives them a new dimension as opposed to viewing flat on screen or print. Scale lets you see details that you might miss on viewing alone.
• A sense of reality about your own work being seen in a gallery. They feel real.

Do you look at the galleries differently, having been involved in the building process? (immersive group only)

• Definitely - I've gone from being very wary of a gimmick (i'm not from a technological background) to see [it] as a tool to planning an exhibition. Great as a learner or curating. No longer just for gamers - now an element of the real world, init!
• (Awaiting a further response).

Secondly, the questions go on to ask about how the college and learners might use the technology in the future.

How do you think we (the college, CADI) could incorporate VR technology into our teaching?

• Give students the opportunity to curate and learn using their own images, ahead of the final [graduate] exhibition at level 6. At level 4-5, final images for modules could be used to build a gallery to see presentation before hand-in.
• To showcase [art]work and encourage peoples confidence in themselves and their practice. Be a part of photoshop or as a one-to-one basis before hand-in... or along the way.
• Mini sessions curating gallery set-ups. Selective lessons combined photoshop to incorporate people seeing their work within gallery environment.
• Provide a facility two weeks before hand-in to view images in VR space. Use it to help plan an actual exhibition... it is positive - confidence giving, shows possibilities and helps to think about you [art]work in a wider context.

Is VR technology actually useful, or do you see it as a novelty/gimmick?

• I feel younger generations may see it as a gimmick, but still want to be involved after seeing what it can do and I would find it really useful, curating Free Range (their graduate show in London) and showing me possibilities of the size I can print my [photography] work.
• I think it is a useful tool to educate and encourage people. It gives an insight into the world after graduation and the quality of your images.
• Very useful - see answer under immersive group [question].

Can you see yourself using it?

• If it was accessible. I can't see myself buying it, but if it could be lent on an ad-hoc basis - yes.
• yes to experiment with framing and the layout of the gallery.
• Of corse. It's useful for many things linked to photography. - great if would like to pursue curator career, or great selling point to future photography post, very modern.

What is holding you back from using it, or what do you think will hold you back from using it in the future?

• Cost and access.
• Cost and I feel sick due to the motion [I think that was down to using the oculus Go].
• The cost mainly and the quality is a bit low.
• Cost. If it was readily available to me I'd use it every time as a means of checking my creative work.

What would you like to see in an application program - VR environment building software?

• Infinite colour palette for floors/walls/ceilings.
• Possibly artist statements when click within a piece of art, with person who's image it is voice, authenticity.
• Is there anything else you would like to add?
• When you really think about it, VR can ultimately level the playing field.
• It's a great selling point. It updates the photographic medium.
• It's very clever. Shows how photography has moved on and where we are digitally.
• Good promotional tool for the course. Good selling point as heads in the direction of future business prospects.
• [I am] Grateful for the chance to use such clever technology at a time when I'm ready to enter industry.

There are a couple of surprising points that came out of this meeting. The first is how much confidence it has given the students involved, in their own work and the second is how much they actually see it as a useful tool in curating and planning future exhibitions - and those responses came under the question about VR in education!

If you are reading this blog and feel you can add something to my research then please comment… even if you are correcting me or don’t agree with something that I say.