DoctorYasas Wickramasinghe Wickrama Arachchige

I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the HIT Lab NZ of the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. My research explores how immersive and interactive technologies can transform the way people experience, understand, and connect with digital and physical environments. Positioned at the intersection of Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and interactive media, my work investigates how design choices in immersive systems influence user experience, behaviour, and wellbeing.

A central focus of my research is understanding how different display technologies and interaction perspectives shape user experience in virtual environments. I examine key constructs such as presence, embodiment, spatial awareness, and simulator sickness, with the aim of identifying design principles that optimise immersion while minimising discomfort. This work contributes to both theoretical understanding and practical guidelines for designing next-generation immersive systems.

In parallel, I investigate visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) in interactive and screen-based experiences, particularly in collaboration with industry partners. Through persona-driven approaches and user-centred methodologies, my research seeks to develop tailored mitigation strategies that account for diverse user profiles, including both players and spectators.

Another key strand of my research focuses on location-based and WebAR technologies. I design and evaluate interactive systems that connect people with remote places through shared, spatial experiences. This includes the development of novel AR applications and games that aim to enhance place-based engagement, storytelling, and social connection beyond traditional tourism or media consumption models.

Methodologically, my work combines controlled experiments, quantitative measures (e.g., presence and simulator sickness scales), behavioural data analysis, and qualitative approaches such as thematic analysis. By integrating these methods, I aim to produce robust, human-centred insights that inform both academia and industry.

Overall, my research seeks to advance the design of immersive technologies that are not only engaging and meaningful but also inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the diverse ways people experience digital environments.