Revealing the realities of collaborative virtual reality

ABSTRACT

We look at differences between the experience of virtual environments and physical reality, and consider making the technical limitations which cause these differences 'visible', aiming to provide resources to enhance communication between users. Three causes of such discrepancies are considered to illustrate this idea: field-of-view; haptic feedback; and network delays. For each, we examine ways of revealing the limitations of the virtual world as resources to better understand the intricacies of system and co-user behaviour. These examples introduce a broader discussion of design issues involved in producing interfaces for day-to-day collaboration through virtual environments. Issues include: the application and activity undertaken through the virtual world; the ability to focus on the business at hand rather than the system in use; and extent of users' familiarity with application and system.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.7 Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism
          Subjects: Virtual reality

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Artificial, augmented, and virtual realities
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Haptic I/O; Interaction styles (e.g., commands, menus, forms, direct manipulation)

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques
          Subjects: Interaction techniques

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Management, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
desktop and immersive interfaces, haptic feedback, interaction techniques, network delays, realism