Zeynep Burcu Kaya

Augmented Reality Simulation and Wind (Flow) Interaction Platform Development Project seeks to achieve this type of augmentation or extention of realities. It seeks to develop a platform where the virtual environment a person is in, acts the same as the wind they feel on their skin. Together with haptic interaction and wearable devices, this platform has application potential for many industries and creative areas. Alongside medical and therapeutic uses, games and interactive art are among key areas the project is targeted to.

As a developer and designer, I have integrated two environments within Unreal Engine 5, to simulate wind through different systems inhouse dynamic wind simulation system, particle effects (Niagara), material effects (world position offset), cloth simulation, and SpeedTree foliage.

A study is being conducted to understand the effect that dynamic and realistic wind simulation has over perceived realism of players. As games strive for graphical realism, the quest for invoking a sense of reality continues. Perceived game realism is a multidimensional construct and while much attention has been given to visual fidelity by the industry, there are subtle elements in physical reality, such as wind blowing, distant car sounds, and floating dust, that contribute to the perception of realism.