Authoring Metaphors in Narrative XR

This thesis investigates how stories are created in Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (the XR spectrum). It shows that XR narratives are shaped not just by simulation qualities like spatial similes or audiovisual renderings, but by the emergent interactions between software, tools, and personal experiences of the creator. The study examines three XR projects that employ user interaction, situated systems, and embodied performance to explore how meaning is formed. It introduces the idea of metaphor as infrastructure, where the process of writing software influences how stories are told. This research helps XR makers better understand and use the tools that shape their stories, leading to more thoughtful and inclusive design.