In our rapidly changing technology-driven society, the demand for expertise in human-computer interaction is skyrocketing. Even elite sports have entered the digital world, with expert individuals and teams competing in electronic sports (esports) competitions. While sports scientists have long been studying the development of expertise in human performance, PhD student Matthew Pluss has identified a window of opportunity to understand the factors that underlie human performance development in this new and understudied field.
What makes professional e-sports players so skilled and how are their skills developed? Can we develop training interventions that help develop expertise in esports players? How can this research help develop expertise in other domains that require similar human-computer interactions? Using the eye-tracking technology, custom-built gaming computers, and high quality esports equipment at the UTS purpose-built testing laboratory at Moore Park, Matthew will address these unanswered questions about the factors that underlie expertise in esports.
With greater knowledge of the science behind esports performance at the highest level of competition, the research could assist the development and training of professionals that interact with computers in other domains, such as air traffic leaders, surgeons, and military personnel.
Following the research pathway at UTS has been one of the most rewarding achievements that I have experienced. It’s not every day you publish a manuscript, travel to a conference, or collaborate with researchers across the world.
