(Semiosphere: The Russian cultural semiotician Yuri Lotman coined this term to refer to 'the whole semiotic space of the culture in question' - it can be thought of as a semiotic ecology in which different languages and media interact.)

SpIDERS is a multi-disciplinary research grouping across the university of Teesside that investigates the perceivable content of virtual reality and, in particular, computer games. The foundations of the SpIDERS approach is the integration of detailed theoretical models of interactive content – drawing on semiotics and theoretical computer science – with sophisticated validation techniques based around experimental psychology. Disciplines within the group range from theoretical computer science, semiotics, experimental psychology and the psychology of Human Computer Interfaces, architectural visualisation, exhibition design and the fine art practice.

SpIDERS also undertakes applied research and is currently funded on a number of projects to investigate wider applications of computer games for both educational and health applications. There are currently five full time and three part time PhDs and research assistants. The group expects to continue to expand in the near future.

Members of SpIDERS have published over 50 papers over the last few years in a range of journals, books and conference proceedings.

A good example of the SpIDERS’ approach is the ‘Computer Games and Older Adults’ project funded by Codeworks. The overall aim of the project is to identify the current game playing habits and preferences for older adults in the UK and to predict possible future trends. An innovative feature of the project is the use of a specially developed ‘Games Design Workshop’ which is free of games jargon and allows players and non-players alike to design the kinds of games they would like to play. The workshop will allow SpIDERS to build up a detailed view of older gamers preferences in a fun and informal atmosphere. However, the workshop can and will be run for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Contacts
*Clive Fencott, p.c.fencott@tees.ac.uk, tel.01642 384540.
**Paul van Schaik, p.van-schaik@tees.ac.uk, tel.01642 342320