PitchVR: A Virtual Reality Environment for Elevator Pitch Practice for Postgraduate Students
摘要
Effective communication is crucial for postgraduate (PG) students, yet many struggle with elevator pitches. This study introduces PitchVR, a virtual reality platform designed to enhance elevator pitch skills for PG students. We conducted a mixed-methods study with 5 PG students to evaluate PitchVR’s effectiveness in facilitating self-directed practice and the impact of different avatar types. Participants engaged with PitchVR, completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), and participated in semi-structured interviews. Results indicate high usability (SUS scores 72.5–100) and positive user experiences. Thematic analysis revealed benefits in self-reflection, pitch refinement, and audience adaptation. While promising, limitations include small sample size and lack of a control group, suggesting avenues for future research.