Twitch Dissertation Defense: Research in Real-Time
“To study gamers without including their voices is to miss the point entirely.”
Overview:
I defended my PhD dissertation live on Twitch—the first known example of an academic defense done via livestream. This project merged participatory research with parasocial dynamics, inviting live feedback from gamer communities during a scholarly presentation.
Challenge:
How do we center marginalized gamer voices while showcasing research in a format that’s both rigorous and community-accessible?
Approach:
Mixed-methods dissertation on gamer identity & representation
Livestreamed defense to over 500 live viewers
Community Q&A embedded into methodology
UX-relevant focus on identity, inclusion, and lived experience
Impact:
Validated live research presentations as inclusive UX communication
Amplified insights around identity, representation, and social design
Sparked discussions around accessibility in academia
Read the Full Dissertation:
📄 Gamers Defining Gamers on ProQuest
Reflection:
This experience taught me how vital participant empowerment and feedback loops are in any UX process. It changed how I frame usability and inclusivity.
🎥 Twitch Stream Clip (Live Engagement)