Collaboratory Researcher Profiles
Project Title: Inclusive Digital Heritage: Voices of Nottingham’s Communities
What were you doing (e.g. type of work/study) before your PhD/Placement?
I have worked in higher education for 12 years within professional services. My current role is supporting researcher development through the Loughborough University Research Academy. Prior to this, I worked with the Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure Cities and Energy, supporting postdoctoral researchers, in building skills, networks, and collaborations that advance net zero innovation. I have also worked on a project to develop skills in Hydrogen as part of the Hydrogen Development and Knowledge Exchange, a multi-university collaboration to develop a hydrogen economy within the Midlands region.
What are you researching?
This project explores how disabled visitors experience a 360° digital proxy tour of the Nottingham caves when they cannot physically access the site. The tour will be presented on various devices, including laptop/tablet, Head Mounted Display (often referred to as “VR Headset”, mobile phone). This modality comparison will help identify whether certain devices create barriers or opportunities for disabled visitors, and which formats may be most suitable for future deployment in heritage settings.
What motivated you to apply for this specific Placement project?
I was especially interested in this project, because I have previously worked on a technology research project using 360-degree photospheres to support academic resources. That experience gave me practical insight into how immersive digital tools can enhance engagement and accessibility, which is a key aspect of this project.
Another motivation is my interest in the heritage sector. I see this placement as a valuable opportunity to build sector knowledge and explore potential long-term career pathways.
Why do you think this research is important?
It is important to get valid feedback from the intended audience for the digital proxy tour. This research will identify how digital heritage experiences can be designed to better support visitors with diverse access needs. The findings will help inform the National Justice Museum and Nottingham City of Caves (and other similar Heritage organisations) in improving accessible digital alternatives and will contribute to wider academic research on inclusive cultural heritage technologies.
What difference do you hope to make in Nottingham through this research?
In the long term, I hope this research will help provide visitors to Nottingham, including those travelling from further afield who may have mobility-related access needs, with more accessible digital experiences of heritage sites such as the Caves. I also hope the findings can be expanded to support accessibility across other heritage and cultural sites in Nottingham and potentially across the East Midlands.
The research could contribute to the development of design principles for creating more inclusive cultural and heritage experiences, ensuring that visitors with access needs can participate in the same experiences as visitors without access needs. Ultimately, this could help make heritage spaces more welcoming, equitable, and holistic for everyone.
What do you hope to be doing in five years’ time? (personally and/or professionally)
Being selected for this placement has encouraged me to consider continuing along a research pathway, particularly within the digital heritage sector. Alongside this, my growing interest in cultural and historical sites has inspired me to explore potential careers in heritage, as well as opportunities to visit and volunteer at museums across the Midlands.