ABSTRACT
Interactive computing has evolved through the years from cryptic command-based interfaces to a collection of task-based applications to ecologically valid immersive environments, each advance dissolving more of the barrier between users and their desired actions. To many, with virtual environments (VEs) we have reached the panacea in interactive computing. Such environments immerse users in realistic settings, allowing them to engage in an intuitive and intimate manner with their digital universe. Such capability affords the opportunity to “learn by doing,” “train like we fight,” and “involve me and I understand.” While early VEs were low in resolution and sluggish in responsiveness, advances in display and tracking technology have largely resolved these issues such that today VE applications abound (Davies, 2002). Yet, considerable HCI research and development is required to resolve lingering issues, such as cybersickness and usability, if VE technology is to be openly embraced by users. This chapter reviews the current state-of-the-art in VE technology, provides design and implementation strategies, discusses health and safety concerns and potential countermeasures, and presents the latest in VE usability engineering approaches. Current efforts in a number of application domains are reviewed. The chapter should enable readers to better specify design and implementation requirements for VE applications
and prepare them to use this advancing technology in a manner that minimizes health and safety concerns.
