This week consisted of individual tutorials with Nigel to discuss our developing thesis ideas and progress towards the draft literature review. The one-to-one was useful because it allowed me to talk through my current research direction and receive more specific feedback than is possible during group sessions.
During the tutorial, I explained that I was considering moving away from my original topic on animation in advertising and projection mapping. While I still find that area interesting, I felt that it might not connect strongly enough with my Final Major Project, which is planned as a 360 animated short film. Nigel agreed that it was worth considering a topic that would better support both the written and practical components of the course.
We discussed several possible research directions related to 360 storytelling and immersive media. The conversation made me realise that there are many interesting questions surrounding audience engagement, immersion and viewer agency within 360 experiences. Although I had not settled on a final research question by the end of the tutorial, I left with a much clearer sense of direction and a stronger understanding of how my thesis could directly support the development of my Final Major Project.