Embodied Interfaces

2021

Interaction with objects of the environment is mediated by the physicality of our body. When using the tool proficiently, it becomes embodied (i.e., an extension of one’s body). However, embodiment in VR is neither often discussed nor explored. I researched and prototyped different ways that turns external interfaces into more embodied interactions in VR.

︎︎︎  Hybrid embodied scaling
︎︎︎  Passive reactive environment
︎︎︎  Embodied Measurement

Reference:
Ayman Alzayat, Mark Hancock, Miguel A. Nacenta, Quantitative Measurement of Tool Embodiment for Virtual Reality Input Alternatives (CHI, 2019)

Static Scales

Building worlds in VR requires switching scales. First-person and third-person scale are two standard ways of scaling, and each has its pros and cons:

+ Experience the scale immersively
 - Unclear of precise scale of large objects

+ Precise control of scaling
- Unclear of the relative scale to users

Dynamic scale

VR creation apps like Tiltbrush allow users to scale up and down the world during creation. However, just like switching back and forth different windows, it is both inconvenient and disorienting for users to experience different scales. It is also inaccessible to users who get motion sickness quickly.

Therefore, I propose combining both first-person and third person synchronously, just like the split screen multi-task when browsing laptop, to avoid dynamic scale confusion and motion sickness.

Detect breathing volume from the microphone to alter the environment lighting. Application in VR mediation and fitness.

In real life, we often use our bodies (feet, finger etc.)  as unit for rough measurement. In VR, it is easy for us to lose the sense of scale due to the lack of embodied reference. How can we use our virtual body to help us better understand size and scale in VR?