Virtual Exploratory Interaction of 3D Spatial Data with a Philosophical Tool

Summary

The objective of this study is to research the benefits and usability of human-computer interaction using immersive technologies. Adopting philosophy of technology in the research, I design an exploratory Virtual Reality (VR) environment for a user to link their expertise and intention with 3D spatial data to gain insight from the data. The virtual world as a mediator is designed to help users to discover knowledge and support sensemaking processes by eliciting potential of human capacity, which is disguised by inadequate VR design. The embedment of philosophy of technology in a virtual world enables users not only to assist to a problem-solving process, but also to help the sensory experience and perception submerge in a virtual world.

Prior to the study there will be a 30 minute screening and orientation session that will include reviewing this consent form. During the study, a participant will be expected to perform a simple task in an immersive environment. This may take up to 30 min. Afterwards, all participants will be asked to answer some written questions individually about their experience. This is to validate our hypothesis about the interactions.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related risks, if a participant prefers remote interactions, this study will proceed with online video communication (Zoom). For privacy and security of IT communication, the host selectively invites participant via email and creates the meeting with password to only allow a member for a certain email domain to join. In this case, this study requires a participant who has a VR device and is familiar with VR platform (Unity). This is one of the criteria for participants to mitigate COVID related risks. Once participants meet the criteria, the VR application will be sent to participants via email, and they will install the VR application on their computer. After this study is finished, the VR application must be destroyed immediately.

VR technology is growing with infinite potential, such as collaboration, training, simulation, and education. However, design of VR applications is inadequate since the underlying deficiency of VR applications is its failure to consider human beings. Most of them in the fields of science focus problem-solving processes, and it cause alienation of human beings from a virtual world due to the deluge of information. To design a coexisting virtual world, there is a need to investigate how humans perceive a virtual world first. My research will contribute to connection between a human being and virtual world. To validate the hypothesis, improve the design, and gain greater insight of human-computer interaction in the prototype, I would like to conduct user feedback sessions in this study.