Avatars for Co-located Collaborations in HMD-based Virtual Environments

Multi-user virtual reality is transforming towards a social activity that is no longer only used by remote users, but also in large-scale location-based experiences. Usage of realtime-tracked avatars in colocated business-oriented applications with a “guide-user-scenario” is examined for user-related factors of Spatial Presence, Social Presence, User Experience and Task Load. A user study was conducted in order to compare both techniques of a realtime-tracked avatar and a non-visualised guide. Results reveal that the avatar-guide enhanced and stimulated communicative processes while facilitating interaction possibilities and creating a higher sense of mental immersion for users and engagement.