Anna Emerson, “Ethics and Aesthetics for Virtual Realities”
Mentor: Christopher Willey, Art & Design

Before 2020, many of us had yet to experience the negative effects of high internet use, extensive screen time, and poor user interface design. But when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many into digitally-based work and social environments, the effects of poor (or even manipulative) design choices became painfully apparent. This situation begs the question: what does an ethically-designed virtual environment look like? By looking at case studies, following guidelines provided by the Center for Humane Technology, architectural theory, and game design, I am developing a virtual reality (VR) experience that centers the well-being of its participants above all else. By developing and adhering to ethical design principles, we can work towards providing healthy, accessible spaces for those who work or socialize in virtual environments, as well as ameliorating profit-driven industries like video gaming and social media.