Statistics and Data Science Seminar: Dr David Harris (Public Health and Sport Science, University of Exeter)

Designing effective extended reality (XR) training tools requires understanding how features of technology and training design interact to shape learning outcomes. This talk introduces an initial effort to formalise that understanding through a Bayesian Network (BN) model built from data extracted across 41 XR training studies. Drawing on my experience developing similar decision-support approaches in defence settings, I will discuss how statistical and machine learning methods can be applied to model complex dependencies and guide evidence-based design choices. The model revealed distinct patterns linking features such as haptic feedback, body visualisation, and continuous challenge to learning success. More broadly, this work represents the first step towards a data-driven decision-support framework for optimising XR training design and deployment in domains like defence and healthcare.