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About

About

Miguel Melo is Assistant Researcher of MASSIVE Virtual Reality Laboratory at INESC TEC in Portugal. He has a PhD from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, specializing in Computer Graphics. He is also a member of the executive committee of Eurographics. He counts with more than 25 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and he has been participating in several international research projects in the field of Multisensory Virtual Reality applied to different areas such as specialized training or tourism.

Interest
Topics
Details

Details

  • Name

    Miguel Correia Melo
  • Role

    Senior Researcher
  • Since

    01st November 2010
009
Publications

2025

Beyond Physical Boundaries: Assessing Managers' Intentions to Adopt Virtual Reality Technology in Wine Tourism

Authors
Sousa, N; Alén, E; Losada, N; Melo, M;

Publication
TOURISM & MANAGEMENT STUDIES

Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) has been recognised as a promising technology for enhancing the tourist experience. However, little is known about the intention of tourism business managers to adopt VR for leisure purposes. In this context, this study aims to explore this intention by interviewing managers in the sector. This process allowed us to examine their perceptions regarding the use of this technology in their business models. The results revealed that the perceived usefulness of VR is a key factor in its adoption. In addition, managers recognise the value of VR as a complement to the tourist visit, and their intention to adopt it increases when a positive return on investment is anticipated. This approach offers a unique perspective on the main factors influencing technology adoption in this context, broadens the understanding of VR applications in wine tourism, and highlights its potential to transform the visitor experience and drive growth in the sector through innovative business models.

2024

Studying the Influence of Multisensory Stimuli on a Firefighting Training Virtual Environment

Authors
Narciso, D; Melo, M; Rodrigues, S; Cunha, JP; Vasconcelos-Raposo, J; Bessa, M;

Publication
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON VISUALIZATION AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS

Abstract
How we perceive and experience the world around us is inherently multisensory. Most of the Virtual Reality (VR) literature is based on the senses of sight and hearing. However, there is a lot of potential for integrating additional stimuli into Virtual Environments (VEs), especially in a training context. Identifying the relevant stimuli for obtaining a virtual experience that is perceptually equivalent to a real experience will lead users to behave the same across environments, which adds substantial value for several training areas, such as firefighters. In this article, we present an experiment aiming to assess the impact of different sensory stimuli on stress, fatigue, cybersickness, Presence and knowledge transfer of users during a firefighter training VE. The results suggested that the stimulus that significantly impacted the user's response was wearing a firefighter's uniform and combining all sensory stimuli under study: heat, weight, uniform, and mask. The results also showed that the VE did not induce cybersickness and that it was successful in the task of transferring knowledge.

2024

Virtual Reality in Tourism Promotion: A Research Agenda Based on A Bibliometric Approach

Authors
Sousa, N; Alén, E; Losada, N; Melo, M;

Publication
JOURNAL OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) has the capacity to increase tourists' responses, compared with other marketing tools. In tourism, it can play a decisive role in its promotion, since it can generate impactful information that will increase the visit intention. However, there are few reviews that focus on VR as a promotional tool in tourism. To overcome this limitation, this work provides a bibliometric analysis of papers from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The analysis allows us to conclude that although its potential is recognized, the use of VR is infrequent in tourism. We also identified three main avenues for future research: presence and devices, promotional strategies, and segments to explore.

2024

How are the sense of presence and learning outcomes being investigated when using virtual reality? A 24 years systematic literature review

Authors
Krassmann, AL; Melo, M; Pinto, D; Peixoto, B; Bessa, M; Bercht, M;

Publication
INTERACTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract
The sense of presence is an important aspect of virtual reality experiences, being increasingly researched in educational contexts for its potential association with learning outcomes. A panorama of how these investigations have been conducted could help researchers and practitioners to harness this potential and find new directions. A systematic literature review was conducted to contribute to this perspective, with a comprehensive analysis of 140 primary studies recovered from five worldwide databases. The results show an overview of 24 years of research, with a summarization of areas, factors, and methodological approaches that have been the focus of investigation when these three variables of interest (VR, sense of presence, and learning) are together. We conclude with a list of research gaps that need to be addressed and a research agenda, identifying current and emerging challenges.

2024

The impact of virtual reality and biological sex on the promotion of tourist destinations: effects on destination image, place attachment, and behavioural intention

Authors
Melo, M; Gonçalves, G; Jorge, F; Losada, N; Barbosa, L; Teixeira, MS; Bessa, M;

Publication
JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
Purpose - This paper aims to generate knowledge of the impact of different virtual reality (VR) set-ups in tourism promotion regarding destination image, place attachment and behavioural intention.Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents a comparative study of the impact of different visualisation technologies (video, immersive VR and multisensory immersive VR) to promote tourism destinations. The study's dependent variables are destination image, place attachment and behaviour intention.Findings - Results show that VR content impacts these variables. Multisensory immersive VR is the preferred content type for destination promotion. It is also evidenced that female participants scored each variable higher than male participants. Males reported higher scores on the video set-up for destination image and place attachment. Behavioural intention reported higher values in the video when compared to immersive VR in both sexes.Practical implications - This paper concludes that there is a preference towards multisensory set-ups, which suggests that incorporating audiovisual and sensory elements can significantly enhance the effectiveness of VR experiences in attracting and engaging potential tourists.Originality/value - The paper contributes to the scarce body of knowledge regarding the impact of different VR factors on tourism promotion, including the multisensory VR component.

Supervised
thesis

2022

Criação de experências virtuais imersivas de forma expedita: Caso de estudo projeto Smartcut

Author
Rui Pedro Carvalho Machado

Institution
INESCTEC

2022

RV imersiva para o setor imobiliário. Desenvolvimento de aplicação e avaliação do impacto de diferentes níveis de interação e fidelidade visual

Author
Samuel Filipe Silveira Martins

Institution
INESCTEC

2022

Digital Twin em ambientes de realidade virtual imersivos. Caso de estudo projeto Smartcut

Author
Ricardo José Borges Rodrigues

Institution
INESCTEC

2022

Creating Immersive Authentic Experiences for Foreign Language Learning

Author
Bruno Miguel Eira Peixoto

Institution
UTAD

2022

USER EXPERIENCE IN VIDEO GAMES: IDENTIFICATION OF DETERMINING CHARACTERISTICS FOR ITS SUCCESS

Author
Madalena Barros

Institution
UTAD