Asymmetric Communication in Virtual Reality: Designing for Presence, Effectiveness, and Enjoyment

Abstract

This paper investigates the design of multi-user virtual reality (VR) communication and collaboration, focusing on asymmetric VR where one user is immersed in the virtual environment while the other interacts from the external world. Through an exploratory user study (n = 16), we examine how users experience different asymmetric VR communication methods and how these experiences inform the design of effective communication systems. We identify key factors that influence the effectiveness of different styles of asymmetric VR communication and highlight the benefits and limitations of these styles. Our thematic analysis of the participants’ responses and experiences sheds light on the importance of considering communication methods and their impact on users’ experiences in asymmetric virtual environments. Our study provides insights into how communication methods can be designed to enhance presence, social presence, communication effectiveness, and enjoyment. These findings can inform the design and development of more engaging and effective asymmetric communication methods for multi-user collaboration.