[FYP or MSc Level] This project will explore how lighting design, informed by cinematography and psychological theories, can be used to enhance emotional expressivity in characters and user immersion within a real-time VR open-world environment. The student will research emotional lighting techniques from film and psychology—such as color theory, contrast, and lighting direction—and apply them using Unreal Engine 5’s advanced lighting systems (e.g. Lumen and post-processing). A key focus will be on designing a dynamic lighting system that responds to narrative events, character states, or user interactions to heighten emotional impact in VR. The project will involve building a small interactive VR prototype to demonstrate these techniques, followed by user testing to evaluate how lighting influences perceived emotional tone and engagement. A solid foundation in computer graphics and an interest in Unreal Engine development are essential for this project.
