Einblick - Virtual Reality - # Impact of (In)Congruencies on VR Experiences

Exploring (In)Congruencies in Realism of Avatars and Virtual Others in VR

Q: How do different levels of realism impact users' sense of embodiment?

Different levels of realism in avatars can significantly impact users' sense of embodiment in virtual environments. Realistic avatars, especially when personalized to resemble the user's physical appearance, have been shown to enhance the sense of body ownership and agency. This congruence between the avatar and the user's real-world self-image creates a stronger connection between the user and their virtual representation, leading to a heightened feeling of presence and immersion. On the other hand, stylized avatars may not evoke the same level of embodiment as realistic ones. The lack of visual similarity or anthropomorphic cues in stylized avatars can create a disconnect between the user's physical body and their digital representation. This incongruence may result in reduced feelings of ownership over the avatar and less engagement with it during interactions within VR environments. Overall, higher levels of realism in avatars tend to enhance users' sense of embodiment by aligning visual cues with their real-world experiences, promoting a more immersive and engaging virtual experience.

Q: How might advancements in avatar customization technologies influence user experiences?

Advancements in avatar customization technologies can have a profound impact on user experiences within virtual environments. As technology allows for more personalized and realistic avatars through methods like photogrammetry or advanced 3D modeling tools, users can create digital representations that closely mirror their physical appearance. Personalized avatars created through these technologies enable users to establish a strong connection with their virtual selves, enhancing feelings of body ownership, agency, and self-identification. The ability to customize various aspects such as facial features, clothing styles, or even gestures further enhances personalization and allows users to express themselves authentically within VR spaces. Moreover, advancements in avatar customization technologies provide opportunities for increased diversity and inclusivity within VR communities. Users from diverse backgrounds can create representations that resonate with their identities, fostering a more inclusive environment where individuals feel represented and valued. Overall, improved avatar customization technologies empower users to create unique digital personas that enhance their overall immersion, engagement, and satisfaction while interacting in virtual environments.

Kernkonzepte

The author explores the impact of (in)congruencies in realism of avatars and virtual others on VR experiences, focusing on plausibility, co-presence, and self-identification.

Zusammenfassung

The study investigates how (in)congruencies in realism affect perception of virtual others, self-representation, and spatial presence in VR. Participants embodied personalized realistic or stylized avatars with groups of virtual others varying in realism. Results suggest higher realism enhances human-likeness perception.

Virtual humans play a crucial role in social virtual environments, influencing user experiences. The study examines the effects of appearance congruence on plausibility, co-presence, and self-identification. Realistic avatars enhance body ownership and identification compared to stylized ones.

The research delves into the importance of congruence between self-avatar and virtual others for spatial presence. Different configurations of group members impact perceived plausibility and interaction possibilities. Findings highlight the significance of visual cues in shaping VR experiences.

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Statistiken

Realistic virtual humans resemble life-like features.
Stylized virtual humans have simplified or iconic styles.
Personalization fosters digital representation congruent with user's appearance.
Appearance influences qualia like spatial presence and sense of embodiment.

Zitate

"In this work, we consider the impact of (in)congruencies in the realism of a group of virtual humans."
"Our results indicate groups of virtual others with higher realism were considered more human-like."

Wichtige Erkenntnisse aus

Am I the Odd One? Exploring (In)Congruencies in the Realism of Avatars and Virtual Others in Virtual Reality

by Davi... um arxiv.org 03-13-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.07122.pdf

Am I the Odd One? Exploring (In)Congruencies in the Realism of Avatars and Virtual Others in Virtual Reality

Tiefere Fragen

How do different levels of realism impact users' sense of embodiment?

Different levels of realism in avatars can significantly impact users' sense of embodiment in virtual environments. Realistic avatars, especially when personalized to resemble the user's physical appearance, have been shown to enhance the sense of body ownership and agency. This congruence between the avatar and the user's real-world self-image creates a stronger connection between the user and their virtual representation, leading to a heightened feeling of presence and immersion.
On the other hand, stylized avatars may not evoke the same level of embodiment as realistic ones. The lack of visual similarity or anthropomorphic cues in stylized avatars can create a disconnect between the user's physical body and their digital representation. This incongruence may result in reduced feelings of ownership over the avatar and less engagement with it during interactions within VR environments.
Overall, higher levels of realism in avatars tend to enhance users' sense of embodiment by aligning visual cues with their real-world experiences, promoting a more immersive and engaging virtual experience.

How might advancements in avatar customization technologies influence user experiences?

Advancements in avatar customization technologies can have a profound impact on user experiences within virtual environments. As technology allows for more personalized and realistic avatars through methods like photogrammetry or advanced 3D modeling tools, users can create digital representations that closely mirror their physical appearance.
Personalized avatars created through these technologies enable users to establish a strong connection with their virtual selves, enhancing feelings of body ownership, agency, and self-identification. The ability to customize various aspects such as facial features, clothing styles, or even gestures further enhances personalization and allows users to express themselves authentically within VR spaces.
Moreover, advancements in avatar customization technologies provide opportunities for increased diversity and inclusivity within VR communities. Users from diverse backgrounds can create representations that resonate with their identities, fostering a more inclusive environment where individuals feel represented and valued.
Overall, improved avatar customization technologies empower users to create unique digital personas that enhance their overall immersion, engagement, and satisfaction while interacting in virtual environments.

What implications do (in)congruencies have on social interactions within VR environments?

(In)congruencies play a significant role in shaping social interactions within VR environments by influencing how users perceive themselves and others digitally represented around them.
When there are (in)congruent elements among avatars or characters present in an environment—such as differences in realism levels or stylistic choices—it can lead to varying degrees...