Focus, locus, and sensus: the three dimensions of virtual experience

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality
• Augmented Reality

Background:

• Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) research often discusses 'presence,' but lacks a comprehensive model for user experience.
• Existing models may not fully capture the nuances of attention and consciousness within immersive digital environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel three-dimensional conceptual model for virtual and physical experiences in VR and AR.
• To define and elaborate on the dimensions of focus, locus, and sensus of attention within these experiences.
• To illustrate the model's application with educational examples and relate it to evaluation methods for virtual environments.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual model development based on dimensions of focus, locus, and sensus.
• Analysis of presence, attention shifts, and arousal levels in virtual environments.
• Application of the model to educational scenarios and evaluation methodologies.

Main Results:

• Presence in VR/AR is conceptualized across three dimensions: focus (presence vs. absence), locus (virtual vs. physical), and sensus (arousal level).
• "Breaks in presence" are re-framed as shifts in attention locus or focus, including attention to absence.
• The model provides a structured way to analyze user experience and inform the design of VR/AR systems.

Conclusions:

• The proposed three-dimensional model offers a more nuanced understanding of user experience in VR and AR.
• This framework can guide the development of more effective and engaging immersive educational tools.
• The model facilitates a spectrum of evaluation methods for virtual environments based on user experience dimensions.