The collaborative cube puzzle: a comparison of virtual and real environments

ABSTRACT

In this study we compared collaboration on a puzzle-solving task carried out by two persons in a virtual and a real environment. The task, putting together a cube consisting of different coloured blocks in a 'Rubiks' cubetype puzzle, was performed both in a shared virtual environment (VE) setting, using a Cave-type virtual reality (VR) system networked with a desktop VR system, and with cardboard coloured blocks in an equivalent real setting. The aims of the study were to investigate collaboration, leadership and performance in the two settings. We found that the participants contributed unequally to the task in the VE, and also differences in collaboration between the virtual and the real setting.

REFERENCES

• 1: Axelsson, A., Abelin, A, Heldal, I., Nilsson, A., Schroeder, R. and Widestrom, J. 1999. Collaboration and Communication in Multi-User Virtual Environments: A Comparison of Desktop and Immersive Virtual Reality Systems for Molecular Visualization. Proceedings of the Sixth UKVRSIG Confernce, ed. Terrence Fernando, Salford UK, 14th Sept., pp. 107-117.
• 2: Sallnas, E., Rassmus-Grohn, K. and Sjostrom, C. 1999. Supporting Presence in Collaborative Multimodal Environments by Haptic Force Feedback. Presented at the 2nd International Workshop on Presence, Wivenhoe, Essex, April 6-7.
• 3: Slater, M., Sadagic, A., Usoh, M. and Schroeder, R. 2000. Small Group Behaviour in a Virtual and Real Environment: A Comparative Study. Forthcoming in Presence: Journal of Teleoperators and Virtual Environments.
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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.3 Group and Organization Interfaces
          Subjects: Collaborative computing

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

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

General Terms:
Design, Management, Measurement, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
co-presence, collaboration, leadership, presence, virtual environments, virtual reality