REAL PEOPLE IN SURREAL ENVIRONMENTS

With high performance computer processing capabilities and appropriate communication bandwidths, virtual reality (VR) and enhanced reality s ystems are no longer restricted to sophisticated flight simulators. No w there is the opportunity for users to immerse themselves in new worl ds and to learn, work and play in different ways. This paper presents some of the key research issues that need to be addressed in order to develop virtual environments (VEs) which will 'succeed' across a range of VR application areas, including: What are the key components that constitute compelling, stimulating and easy-to-use VEs? What constitut es a usable VE? Do we understand the human element of VR? Techniques a nd approaches that will increase our understanding of VR from the user perspective are presented, together with 'The Mirror' case study whic h demonstrates the assessment methodology used to address performance and usability issues relating to a collaborative environment delivered over the Internet.