We use avatars all the time, even outside of our computer screens. The advent of playing roles to fit in and navigate other worlds is not exclusive to gaming, though that is where we hear the word “avatar” thrown around most. Once you enter a game of soccer, and are pitted against another team, you take on the role of a player from your own team. The rules of your world have … [Read more...] about Avatars and Our Perception of Self in Digital Worlds
XR and Accessibility
One of the biggest contentions most critics have with Extended Reality is its lack of attention to accessibility. The fact of the matter is, it is not guaranteed that we can all use our senses to the same extent as everyone else around us; we will all therefore experience XR in different ways. Some are at an even bigger disadvantage due to issues in motor, visual, or auditory … [Read more...] about XR and Accessibility
The Use of XR in Art
From the 17th to 18th century, there was a big change in the art world of France. The lighting and chiaroscuro techniques carried over from influences of the Renaissance, and to an extent so did the subject matter. What really caused the paradigm shift was the way in which artists began using perspective. They transitioned from portraits to scenic depictions. The viewer became … [Read more...] about The Use of XR in Art
What is the “Metaverse” and Why Does It Matter?
It is apparent through observing the evolution of social media and the internet as a whole that our presences are becoming increasingly digital. As my Immersive Media professor puts it, entering a virtual space is becoming synonymous with entering a physical space. Our digital selves and the virtual places we visit become a part of us. Suppose I play games online with my … [Read more...] about What is the “Metaverse” and Why Does It Matter?
XR in Amusement Parks
XR has not only shown to be very successful on its own, but also in combination with physical environment design. Physical experiences, especially those that aim to transport visitors to a new world of sorts, can heighten people’s level of immersion by incorporating VR and AR. One such industry that relies entirely on the physical environment to entertain audiences is the Theme … [Read more...] about XR in Amusement Parks