Digital Innovation Assistant

Overview

As a Digital Innovation Technology Assistant at Sheffield University Management School, I I was responsible for key areas of the design and development of an immersive 360° digital learning resource for university modules. The project explored how immersive media could support student engagement by connecting learners with a real-world, place-based context.

My work covered the digital learning production cycle, including project coordination, 360° content capture, media editing, interactive scene design, usability testing and preparation for teaching use.

Some project details and visuals have been anonymised or omitted to protect privacy, confidentiality and institutional data.

The challenge

The main challenge was to turn a physical site into a purposeful digital learning experience. Rather than creating a simple virtual tour, the resource needed to guide students through the space, support reflection and connect clearly with teaching aims.

This required attention to learner navigation, hotspot placement, visual clarity, accessibility and the overall learning journey.

What I did

• Coordinated project tasks and documentation using Trello, Notion and Google Workspace.
• Captured 360° visual materials on site using Insta360 equipment.
• Processed and refined multimedia assets using Insta360 Studio, Photoshop, Camtasia and CapCut.
• Built interactive 360° learning scenes in WondaVR, including hotspots, embedded media and navigation pathways.
• Tested the learner journey to check navigation, clarity, hotspot accuracy and scene flow.
• Applied accessibility and usability principles, including visual clarity, readable information and learner guidance.
• Liaised with academic and professional stakeholders to align the resource with teaching needs.
• Developed supporting learning activities, including pre- and post-engagement tasks.

Tools used

WondaVR | Insta360 | Insta360 Studio | Meta Quest 2/3 | Adobe Creative Cloud | Trello | Notion | Google Workspace

Outcomes and skills demonstrated

The project transformed a real-world heritage site into an immersive 360° learning experience, promoting local heritage while enabling students to explore key locations, access embedded information and engage with supporting activities before and after the experience.

The project also strengthened my practical skills in:

• Digital learning design: structuring an immersive resource around learner navigation, reflection and teaching aims.
• 360°/VR content development: building interactive scenes, hotspots and navigation pathways in WondaVR.
• Multimedia production and editing: capturing, processing and refining 360° visual assets for learning use.
• User experience testing: reviewing hotspot accuracy, visual direction, scene flow and learner clarity.
• Accessibility and learner guidance: considering readability, visual clarity, onboarding and alternative support materials.
• Project coordination: organising tasks, documentation and progress across a time-bound digital project.
• Stakeholder communication: liaising with academic and professional stakeholders to align the resource with teaching needs.
• Problem-solving: identifying design issues and improving the usability of an immersive learning environment.