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Dushyant Naresh

The potential for innovative storytelling and interpretation within digital archaeology continues to grow as new technologies evolve and become more accessible. The applications of virtual reality, in particular, have been at the forefront of dialogue around archaeological representation. An Avebury Story, a VR “choose your own adventure” experience built specifically as part of this dissertation, is an example of practice-based research, where the creative process serves as a data point for understanding and assessing the affordances of VR/36􏰁° film as a storytelling medium in the heritage sector. Members of the public were invited to test the project and complete a survey. This dissertation first analyses the use of emerging technologies for archaeological interpretation and storytelling, focusing on immersion, agency, representation, and empathy. Then, through practice-based research, results from the creative process behind An Avebury Story are compiled and analysed along with the survey data. Lastly, a cohesive discussion synthesising the literature, methodology, and data analysis is presented. Findings from the project suggest that heritage practitioners have the tools and capabilities to build an immersive story in VR, though technological and financial roadblocks faced during the creative phase may be initially intimidating. While many factors were detrimental to immersion, results from the survey exhibited an overwhelmingly positive response to the project. High levels of immersion and engagement were recorded, and numerous respondents enjoyed the ability to choose their own path. Participants largely noted that they would like to see a similar project at other heritage sites.