Massey University PhD student shaping a new virtual reality for market research
Schnack called on a computer programmer friend to help him build a virtual reality system that would suit his needs. The testing area was a four-by-four-metre empty space, enough room for a couple of virtual supermarket aisles.
Virtual shoppers can hear sounds such as the hum of freezers, passing cars, and snatches of background conversation, so Schnack could gauge how the atmosphere of a shop affects what they buy.
Ultimately, he hopes to expand the testing space and add smells and temperature changes to the tests to create an even more realistic environment.
"I'm taking small steps, it's very new technology and it's still very novel and expensive. It's all hard to get on a PhD student's budget."
But his budget could soon expand now he's working with Massey spin-off company Consumer Insights, with both national and international retailers paying to use his system.
Schnack has also recently moved to Auckland, where he hopes to make commercial connections to help fund further research.
See the full story here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/106204253/massey-university-phd-student-shaping-a-new-virtual-reality-for-market-research