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Published on: August 26, 2018
Presence and usability in shared space virtual conferencing: a participatory design study
J Anderson1, N Ashraf, C Douther
1Centre for Communication Interface Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. jad@ccir.ed.ac.uk
Summary
Virtual shared space conferencing offers enhanced presence and involvement, overcoming limitations of traditional teleconferencing. Optimal design requires balancing realism, user control, and symbolic actions for effective virtual meetings.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Virtual Reality
- Communication Technology
Background:
- Traditional teleconferencing methods like audio and video conferencing lack user presence and involvement.
- Virtual shared space conferencing emerges as a promising alternative to overcome these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the issues of presence and usability in virtual shared space conferencing.
- To identify design requirements for optimal shared space conferencing systems.
Main Methods:
- A three-phase study was conducted, starting with informal tests.
- A participatory design methodology was employed in the second phase, involving user contributions to prototype development.
- User trials were conducted in the third phase to assess and refine findings.
Main Results:
- Key design requirements include selective realism, view control, and avatar animation for talker identification.
- User flexibility in turn-taking and gesture control, along with benefits of symbolic acting, were highlighted.
- Shared space conferencing can foster a strong sense of involvement and presence after a brief user habituation period.
Conclusions:
- Shared space conferencing systems require careful design considerations to maximize usability and presence.
- The technology has the potential to significantly improve remote collaboration and meeting experiences.
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