Rich Interaction in the Context of Networked Virtual Environments — Experiences Gained from the Multi-player Games Domain

Abstract

In order to promote richer interaction within Networked Virtual Environment applications, the ambiguous and highly subjective meanings assigned to the word “interaction” require explicit description. The aim of this work is to use ethnographical and constructivist approaches applied to multi-player 3D games domain in order to create a tentative taxonomy and corresponding hierarchical model of interaction in the context of Networked Virtual Environments. The results can be considered as the first step of research towards understanding and innovatively applying the concept of rich interaction. The primary contribution of the models and findings to the people working in areas of human-computer interaction, virtual environments, digital media, and human behaviour is a set of boundaries that direct the discussion and work to the aspects requiring further research.