Developing a methodology for co-creation using extended reality technologies.

Amid the remarkable growth of innovative technologies, particularly immersive technologies like Extended Reality (XR) (comprising of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) & Mixed Reality (MR)), a transformation is unfolding in the way we collaborate and interact. The current research takes the initiative to explore XR’s potential for co-creation activities and proposes XR as a future co-creation platform. It strives to develop a XR-based co-creation system, actively engage stakeholders in the co-creation process, with the goal of enhancing their creative businesses. The research leverages XR tools to investigate how they can enhance digital co-creation methods and determine if the system facilitates efficient and effective value creation during XR-based co-creation sessions. In specific terms, the research probes into whether the XR-based co-creation method and environment enhances the quality and novelty of ideas, reduce communication challenges by providing better understanding of the product, problem or process and optimize the process in terms of reduction in time and costs. The research introduces a multi-user, multi-sensory collaborative and interactive XR platform that adapts to various use-case scenarios. This thesis also presents the user testing performed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data, which serves to substantiate the hypothesis. What sets this XR system apart is its incorporation of fully functional prototypes into a mixed reality environment, providing users with a unique dimension within an immersive digital landscape. The outcomes derived from the experimental studies demonstrate that XR-based co-creation surpasses conventional desktop co-creation methods and remarkably, the results are even comparable to a full mock-up test. In conclusion, the research underscores that the utilization of XR as a tool for co-creation generates substantial value. It serves as a method that enhances the process, an environment that fosters interaction and collaboration, and a platform that equips stakeholders with the means to engage effectively.

Social inclusion of vulnerable groups through participatory and emancipatory approaches. Implementing active citizenship and socially innovative actions in the framework of civil & human rights model of disability

The research hypothesis of the thesis is that “an open participation in the co-creation of the services and environments, makes life easier for vulnerable groups”; assuming that the participatory and emancipatory approaches are processes of possible actions and changes aimed at facilitating people’s lives. The adoption of these approaches is put forward as the common denominator of social innovative practices that supporting inclusive processes allow a shift from a medical model to a civil and human rights approach to disability. The theoretical basis of this assumption finds support in many principles of Inclusive Education and the main focus of the hypothesis of research is on participation and emancipation as approaches aimed at facing emerging and existing problems related to inclusion. The framework of reference for the research is represented by the perspectives adopted by several international documents concerning policies and interventions to promote and support the leadership and participation of vulnerable groups. In the first part an in-depth analysis of the main academic publications on the central themes of the thesis has been carried out. After investigating the framework of reference, the analysis focuses on the main tools of participatory and emancipatory approaches, which are able to connect with the concepts of active citizenship and social innovation. In the second part two case studies concerning participatory and emancipatory approaches in the areas of concern are presented and analyzed as example of the improvement of inclusion, through the involvement and participation of persons with disability. The research has been developed using a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, aimed at providing a knowledge-base that fosters a shift from a situation of passivity and care towards a new scenario based on the person’s commitment in the elaboration of his/her own project of life.