Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology tools that include 360 degree video productionequipment, eye tracking devices, and biometrics assessment tools are being requested to support currentresearch programs in KPU's health science and psychology programs. Current research is being conducted inKPU's Lifespan Cognition Lab (Surrey campus) in the areas of screen-based eye tracking, AR applications, andhealth education. In addition, KPU is developing VR capability (Richmond campus) in order that work in thedevelopment and investigation of VR educational tools can be done using biometric assessment. Theco-applicants have established and potential industry partners who want to do R&D work using AR and VRtechnology. KPU wants to expand its capacity to support these SMEs and provide faculty and students withinnovative equipment that will enable the development of appropriate educational content using differenttechnologies and to investigate their impact on health behaviour change. The eye-tracking equipment willcomplement the existing lab-based devices available in the Lifespan Cognition Lab by enabling eye tracking tobe done in real life and digital contexts. The 360 degree video equipment will be used to produce content forthe VR eye tracking headset. The biometric assessment tools will examine participants' responses to contentpresented in any digital reality mediums (i.e., online, AR, VR). The VR eye-tracking headset is a new piece ofequipment in the technology market that is not available by other suppliers; thus its availability at KPU willsupport state-of-the-art work with industry partners. A number of current projects, community partners, andstudents will benefit from the requested equipment items. These resources will also enable KPU to offerresearch support to future industry partners. The market for AR and VR technology applications is expandingrapidly, particularly in the southwest region of British Columbia. KPU is poised to provide applied researchsupports for SMEs in the health education and digital technology sectors.