Topics

Dr. Damian Schofield

Director of Human Computer Interaction

Document >Course Outline

This course intends to allow students to study advanced three-dimensional virtual environments.

These environments pervade our life, from the movies we watch, the games we play and the way we learn and socially interact.

The course will focus on usability and HCI aspects of these environments, not on the technology use to develop and build them.

Document >Course Outline

• Computer Graphics / Virtual Environment Theory• Graphics Rendering Pipeline• Transformations/Rendering• Polygon / Parametric Representation

• Graphical Realism• Multi-modal Representations• Viewpoint / Perspective / Resolution / Lighting

• Model Simulation • Object Behaviour• Accuracy / Precision

Document >Course Outline

• Interaction Metaphors• Visual / Aural Sensory Input• Active vs. Passive Interaction• Feedback Mechanisms• Navigation in Virtual Worlds• Hardware (3D Worlds)

• Narrative Structure• Linear / Non-Linear Narratives

• Testing / Evaluation in 3D worlds

Document >Course Outline

• Computer Graphics / Virtual Environment Theory• Graphics Rendering Pipeline• Transformations/Rendering• Polygon / Parametric Representation

Document >Computer Graphics Theory

Graphics Rendering Pipeline : Conversion of a scene into an image.

Document >Computer Graphics Theory

Transformations / Rendering : 2D and 3D Matrix Transformations

Document >Computer Graphics Theory

Polygon / Parametric Representation : Lines and Curves

Document >Computer Graphics Theory

Wireframe to Raster Image : Rendering

Document >Course Outline

• Graphical Realism• Multi-modal Representations• Viewpoint / Perspective / Resolution / Lighting

Document >Graphical Realism

Levels of Realism : Abstract and Realistic Representation (Uncanny Valley)

Document >Graphical Realism

A sophisticated level of realism, containing a high level of detail is often necessary since modern audiences have high levels of graphical literacy.

Document >Graphical Realism

Combining abstract and realistic representations to enforce a message can be effective, however, testing must be undertaken to ensure that the audience are getting the correct message.

Document >Multi-Modal Presentation

A multi modal approach (combining high resolution, three-dimensional virtual environments with photographs, plans and textual information) can be more successful than a single mode approach.

Document >Multi-Modal Presentation

There is convergence towards the ubiquitous mobile device. Delivery to portable devices is essential for most new media.

Document >Viewpoint / Perspective

The viewpoint is crucial - First Person (Egocentric) vs Third Person (Exocentric).

Document >Course Outline

• Model Simulation • Object Behaviour• Accuracy / Precision

Document >Simulation

It should never be forgotten that a virtual simulation, is by its very definition a ‘simulation’ of reality.

Document >Simulation : Object Behaviour

Object behaviour must be programmed : Animation or interaction.

Document >Simulation Accuracy / Precision

Precision and accuracy depends on the simulation context.

Document >Course Outline

• Interaction Metaphors• Visual / Aural Sensory Input• Active vs. Passive Interaction• Feedback Mechanisms• Navigation in Virtual Worlds• Hardware (3D Worlds)

Document >Visual / Aural Sensory Input

The integration of real-world audio soundtracks with a visual media can have a major impact on the level of engagement of the viewer, potentially affecting their understanding and interpretation of the material viewed.

Document >Active vs. Passive Learning

Interactive software resources encourage their users to be active participants by forcing them to make decisions throughout the simulation.

Document >Feedback Mechanisms

It is important that developers do not underestimate the value of spending time providing feedback to the audience.

Document >Environment Navigation

The graphics are often is not as important as the navigation and interaction ability.

Document >Hardware

The graphics are often is not as important as the navigation and interaction ability.

Document >Course Outline

• Narrative Structure• Linear / Non-Linear Narratives

Document >Narrative Structure

Most viewers are used to linear narratives and may struggle to keep following specific narrative threads with such a non-linear approach

Document >Narrative Structure

New mechanisms may be needed to allow users to interact and explore multi-thread narratives.

Document >Course Outline

• Testing / Evaluation in 3D worlds

Document >Testing

Surprisingly many systems are thrown out into the real world without adequate testing.

One needs to know if the message is getting across.

Dr. Damian Schofield

Director of Human Computer Interaction