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Description
The project aims to understand how multisensory virtual experience impacts real environmental behaviours. Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can reflect the real world but it can also enrich it with elements exceeding reality. We can experience VR through both head mounted displays and ordinary smartphones. The latter also allow to experience virtual environments in the form of augmented reality, where virtual elements are overlaid on the real world. For now, virtual environments provide mainly visual and auditory experience. Nevertheless, new multisensory solutions and products are being developed and implemented. Air pollution can be detected by our bodies only when it reached dangerously high level. But polluted air is dangerous for us much before we can smell and see it. The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of multisensory air pollution experience on actual human behaviour. In our analyses, we will take into consideration also economic and socio-cultural factors to understand better what influences the air quality in small Polish and Norwegian towns. VAPE is a transdisciplinary project in which we link a multisensory experience in VR, real-time air pollution measurement, economic and psychological analysis, and civil engagement. We plant to build a network of low-cost air quality sensors in selected cities in Poland and Norway. We will use the data recorded by us to build a multi-sensory virtual experience. We expect that the basic benefit of the project will be a change in behavior and increased social engagement in solving the problem of clean air. The scientific benefit lies mostly in the understanding of the mechanism behind this change, in particular the usefulness of multisensory VR and participatory activities. We hope to develop a solution that can be transferred to the scale of the country, Europe and the world.
Summary of project results
The project focussed on the critical issue of air pollution (PM2.5, PM10) and its adverse effects on public health and the environment, with a special focus on utilizing innovative technologies like multisensory virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. These technologies formed the axis of the project''s strategy to influence environmental behavior and support a significant change in approach to reducing air pollution.
In the early stages of the project, in addition to creating a network of sensors for monitoring particulate matter in selected Polish and Norwegian towns, the project began to develop VR and AR applications. They were designed to provide an immersive experience that could enhance public understanding of air pollution''s impacts and encourage proactive behaviors towards its reduction. The creation of these multisensory applications aimed to simulate the real-world consequences of air pollution in a virtual setting, making the experience more relatable and impactful for users.
Additionally, the project conducted a longitudinal study to assess how these immersive experiences influenced individuals'' perceptions and attitudes towards air pollution from households. The aim was to identify changes in behavioral patterns and increase awareness of the socio-economic consequences of air pollution, as well as to develop effective communication strategies for the general public.
Despite a number of obstacles, including inherent resistance to behavioral change and the COVID-19 pandemic impacting data collection, the project team persevered with innovative solutions. This challenge served as a catalyst for the team to demonstrate incredible flexibility and adaptability in their research approach.
In conclusion, by leveraging the power of VR and AR technologies, the project sought to bridge the gap between environmental science and public action, providing an engaging platform for understanding and addressing air pollution. The development of these multisensory applications represents a pioneering step towards using immersive technology to effectuate attitude changes towards environmental protection. This initiative underscores the potential of technological innovations in promoting sustainable behavioral changes and highlights the ongoing need for research in environmental health to tackle the global challenge of air pollution.
The project team focused on employing cutting-edge technologies and community engagement to deepen the understanding of air pollution''s effects. The introduction of multisensory virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications marked a significant advancement in how information on air pollution could be conveyed to the public. These technologies provided a unique, immersive experience that highlighted the severe implications of air pollution, aiming to catalyze a shift in public attitudes toward more sustainable behaviors.
A significant effort involved establishing an affordable yet sophisticated sensor network in Polish and Norwegian towns for intricate air quality monitoring. This extensive network was pivotal for decoding air pollution patterns and shaping subsequent interventions. Importantly, dense household pollution data were merged with psychometric data to enrich our comprehension of the issue, laying a stronger foundation for tailored intervention planning.
Lab experiments delved into the psychological, behavioral, and psychophysiological responses to air pollution within simulated environments. This methodology was instrumental in determining the most effective methods to represent and visualize pollution for the general public. By examining how different visualizations influenced individuals'' attitudes, the research aimed to identify approaches that could most effectively encourage behaviors aimed at reducing air pollution.
The longitudinal study complemented these efforts by examining air pollution''s long-term effects on households, capturing changes in attitudes, and behaviors over time. Furthermore, by merging these data with physical air pollution measurements, the study offers a unique opportunity to correlate changes in health and behavior with fluctuating pollution levels. This integration of data allows for more precise and targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the impacts of air pollution on public health and wellbeing.
Last, but not least, community engagement was central, with workshops and participatory research in the tested towns. These activities not only gathered qualitative insights but also raised awareness about air pollution, empowering residents with knowledge for healthier living environments.
In summary, the project’s direct approach—merging technology, scientific research, and community interaction—paved a comprehensive path towards addressing household related air pollution (PM2.5, PM10).
The project achieved notable outcomes:
1. Establishment of Air Quality Sensor Network: Created a dense sensor network in selected polish and norwegian towns, providing valuable data on air quality and household related pollution levels (PM2.5, PM10).
2. Behavioral Change Recognition: Identified factors influencing individual behaviors related to air pollution and assessed the value of pollution disclosure, highlighting the significance of information in driving protective and mitigating actions.
3. Public Engagement and Awareness: Through participatory workshops and the development of a gamified research application, the project engaged citizens in environmental issues, enhancing their awareness and understanding of air pollution''s impacts.
4. Scientific and Socio-economic Impact: Contributed to the fields of psychology and atmospheric scienceby developing new research methods and understanding the socio-economic impacts of air pollution. The project''s findings have implications for public health policies, environmental awareness campaigns, and the development of interventions to mitigate household related air pollution.
5. Beneficiaries: Directly impacted municipalities, households, and individual participants by increasing awareness and knowledge about air pollution, contributing to behavioral changes aimed at reducing pollution levels. The broader scientific community and policymakers also benefit from the project''s insights into effective strategies for environmental behavior change and household related pollution mitigation.
Summary of bilateral results
The tasks that have been completed in the reported period required a bilateral collaboration between the Polish team and Norwegian partners. Specifically, establishing the network of air quality sensors in two municipalities, one in Poland and one in Norway, has been supported by researchers from Norwegian Institute for Air Research. Therefore, assessment of bilateral collaboration is positive, despite indications of delays in the implementation of tasks (1, 2) on the Norwegian side.