Spatially-aware group interaction design framework for collaborative room-oriented immersive systems.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality
• Architecture and Virtual Environments

Background:

• Room-oriented immersive systems (ROIS) are increasingly used in public spaces, but user interaction within these virtual environments is not well understood.
• Existing knowledge in virtual reality ergonomics and human-building interaction (HBI) can be synthesized to study ROIS.
• Investigating user interaction in ROIS is crucial for optimizing their design and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive model for analyzing the content and design of room-oriented immersive systems.
• To establish a framework for assessing the interactive qualities of ROIS.
• To synthesize knowledge from virtual reality ergonomics and human-building interaction.

Main Methods:

• Developed a content analysis model based on hardware components of specific immersive systems (CRAIVE-Lab and CIR).
• Categorized qualitative factors into five areas: general design approach, topological relationships, task features, hardware-specific design modalities, and interactive qualities.
• Probed the model's comprehensiveness using existing design scenarios at CRAIVE-Lab and CIR.

Main Results:

• The developed model effectively represents design intentions in ROIS.
• Case studies demonstrated the robustness of the model in analyzing application-based and experience-based designs.
• Limitations were observed concerning temporal constraints within the model.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes a foundational model for detailed assessment of interactive qualities in ROIS.
• The model provides a structured approach to understanding user interaction within collective immersive environments.
• Further refinement of the model, particularly regarding temporal aspects, is suggested for future research.