Spatial journalism brings audiences inside news events – Metropolia research receives international recognition
What would it feel like to step inside a news event instead of just reading about it? Shadows of the Stabilisation Point, a WebAR-based documentary project developed in collaboration between Metropolia and Yle Ulkolinja, is one of the early examples of spatial journalism, where audiences can explore events in a three-dimensional immersive environment using their mobile devices. The research paper on the project received the Best Paper Award at the XR Salento 2026 conference.
Spatial journalism adds a new dimension to news experiences
Shadows of the Stabilisation Point is an immersive documentary project developed in collaboration between Yle’s investigative journalism program Ulkolinja and Metropolia’s Helsinki XR Center Virtual Creation Core project. The solution leverages browser-based WebAR technology, allowing users to access the documentary on their mobile devices without the need for VR headsets or other additional equipment.
The documentary is based on material collected by Yle in Ukraine. A real frontline stabilization clinic was modelled as a three-dimensional environment, where viewers can move through the space, explore the surroundings, and listen to the stories of wounded patients and medical staff in the midst of war.
The project demonstrates the potential of so-called spatial journalism, where news and documentary content are combined with three-dimensional environments, augmented reality, and other immersive technologies. The aim is to help audiences understand events more deeply and to offer new ways of creating engaging yet fact-based journalistic storytelling.
“When audiences can move through a virtual representation of a real environment and hear the experiences of real people, it creates a new way of understanding world events and their impact on people”, says Metropolia XR Specialist Narmeen Marji.
“Spatial journalism allows audiences to step inside a news event, which can increase understanding of the impact of war and strengthen journalism’s role in fostering empathetic and fact-based public discussion”, continues Metropolia XR Specialist Janset Shawash.
Research supports new approaches in media
Spatial journalism is a rapidly evolving research area combining storytelling, XR technologies, and digital media. As technology develops, journalistic ways of reaching audiences are also changing.
At Metropolia’s Helsinki XR Center, researchers study how emerging technologies can be used responsibly in communication, learning, and societal interaction. Shadows of the Stabilisation Point is one example of research and development work where technology is applied to real societal phenomena.
“Spatial journalism is still a relatively new research area, but its importance is growing rapidly. Research helps us develop new ways of communicating information and helping people understand complex phenomena more effectively”, says Research & Development Manager Santeri Saarinen.
International recognition for the research
The research paper WebAR Spatial Journalism: Cross-Platform Architecture and Technical Innovations for Immersive Documentary Experiences was awarded Best Paper at the XR Salento 2026 conference in Otranto, Italy, on 19 June 2026.
The paper was authored by Metropolia experts Narmeen Marji, Janset Shawash, and Irina Konovalova, together with Yle’s Metaverse Lead & Creative Technologist Wesa Aapro.
The award is a recognition of research that combines applied research, technological development, and new journalistic approaches. It also strengthens the visibility of Finnish XR expertise in the international research community.
More information
Narmeen Marji
Specialist, Helsinki XR Center, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
firstname.lastname [at] metropolia.fi (firstname[dot]lastname[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Janset Shawash
Specialist, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
firstname.lastname [at] metropolia.fi (firstname[dot]lastname[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Santeri Saarinen
Research & Development Manager, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
firstname.lastname [at] metropolia.fi (firstname[dot]lastname[at]metropolia[dot]fi)