Floral tribute ritual in virtual reality: Design and validation of sensevase with virtual memorial

Abstract

While foral tributes are commonly used for the public commemoration of victims of disasters, war, and other accidents, fowers in vases color everyday life. In this research, these features of fowers are intertwined with the recent phenomenon of online memorials to develop a virtual foral tribute concept that includes physical rituals. We designed SenseVase, a smart vase to detect fowers placed in it, and a 3DCG Virtual Memorial that illustrates foral tributes given by people using SenseVases at home. This paper describes how we developed our design concept by reviewing previous literature and social aspects, and presents a video illustrating the concept. To validate the current concept, we interviewed several experts knowledgeable in public commemorations, virtual and on-line communities, and the foral business. Through a discussion of our fndings from the design process and interviews, we propose a new direction for how HCI technology can contribute to public commemoration in addition to personal memorialization.