Virtual Dance Mirror: A Functional Approach to Avatar Representation through Movement in Immersive VR
Saliha Akbas, Asιm Evren Yantaç, Terry Eskenazi, Kemal Kuşçu, Sinem Şemsioğlu, Onur Topal Sumer, Asli Ozturk · 2022
Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) technologies offer new possibilities for studying embodied interaction with different sets of constraints and affordances for action-taking while using one’s physical body. In this study, we designed and prototyped a VR dance experience, Virtual Dance Mirror, where a dancer’s bodily movements are reflected on a 3D avatar model using a motion-capture suit. We investigated the novel possibilities for avatar design based on the expression of movements available for dancers in VR environment. After a preliminary briefing session, we conducted a user-study with five dancers with semi-structured interviews. Our findings support HCI literature on virtual body design to facilitate collaboration and non-verbal communication between VR users.