Research — Redefining Narrative Expression in the Era of Hyper Immersive Experiences

My practice-led research fills a critical gap in current immersive storytelling frameworks and technical workflows. These frameworks often lack the flexibility for non-linear, participant-driven experiences, resulting in fragmented narratives and miscommunication. By fostering better collaboration between creative and technical teams, this study ensures participant-centred environments with cohesive, engaging narratives. It introduces Production Architecture, Hyper Immersive Experiences, and Narrative Embodiment—three interconnected terms that I have coined that form a comprehensive basis for interactive immersive narrative storytelling. The core research question is—What specific methods and tools within a Production Architecture framework can most effectively support the creation of Hyper Immersive Experiences that integrate Narrative Embodiment and participant agency?

Hyper Immersive Experiences function as the medium—the technologically mediated environment blending virtual and physical domains to create a fully immersive foundation. It integrates spatial, sensory, and interactive dimensions, offering a richer experience compared to traditional approaches under the umbrella of Extended Reality (XR)—Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR). Narrative Embodiment represents the artistic content, merging immersive art, interactive storytelling, and spatially responsive technology to generate participant-driven experiences. Production Architecture provides a framework with adaptable tools, workflows, and strategies to streamline production and foster collaboration between creative and technical teams.

My doctoral study develops Production Architecture using a mixed-methods approach that blends qualitative and quantitative research and case study. Drawing on spatial planning and sensory integration from architecture, it incorporates participant choice and dynamic, non-linear storytelling from game design, while adopting storyboarding and scene composition techniques from film production. The framework is tested through an iterative, design-based research methodology, enhancing participant agency by enabling meaningful choices and improving spatial interaction through dynamic design.

The resulting Production Architecture framework positions immersive storytelling as a mature and scalable discipline, offering a replicable model for innovation across sectors such as XR/MR/AR/VR, Entertainment, Museums, Education, and Architecture. This work lays the foundation for richer, more interactive storytelling experiences that blur the boundaries between creator and participant, advancing the field of immersive media.