The VCICD-projects had the theme The Ultimate Display, where students were tasked with combining multiple forms of displays (computer screen, projectors, smart phone etc.) to allow users to expand the usability beyond the traditional limits of a display. One project, by student Max Rütz, made it possible for any screen to become a touch screen. By using a smartphone camera to ‘observe’ the screen and then interacting with it on the smartphone screen.

In MRUX, the overarching theme was The Future of Work, encouraging students to explore how mixed reality technology might transform work life, both positively and negatively.

One group, consisting of Emil Lassen, Albert Bærentzen, and Predrag Zinaovic, created a virtual break room designed to encourage social interaction among remote workers. Based on reports showing that working from home can reduce performance and weaken social ties, they aimed to recreate the informal breakroom experience in a virtual space. Their simulation included an area for meetings and a chess table for casual interaction. During Demo Day, they collected user data to evaluate how smoothly users transitioned into the virtual environment.

Another group, consisting of Katinka Feltes, Laufey Fridriksdottir, Dimitrios Georgantopoulos, and Max Rütz, presented a more dystopian take on the theme. They developed an interactive simulation focused on employee monitoring rather than social connection. Demo Day visitors wearing a VR headset were tasked with completing a task in Excel while their activity and focus were closely tracked. Any distraction was penalized, while sustained focus earned points that could be exchanged for break time. The result was an intense and overwhelming experience highlighting the potential downsides of performance surveillance in future workplaces.

By collecting user data during the Demo Day, the students could see how people react and interact with their projects. This data will be used to write their final reports on their project. It was the first time MRUX and VCICD held a Demo Day, and it was wonderful to see staff, students and friends of the department show interest in the many creative projects throughout the day.