Modelling interaction to inform information requirements in virtual environments

There is a lack of understanding about the informat ion and usability needs of users interacting with virtu al environments. Therefore, interaction modelling was used to define a set of design properties required to support stages of interaction, through either infor mation provision or basic interaction support. The design properties were evaluated in a controlled study comparing interaction success with and without thei r implementation. Various implementation styles were tested, such as manipulating the level of realism a nd the use of speech. Results showed a major reduction in interaction problems with the design properties pre sent. Following work involves research on how to select a n implementation style for the design properties and translating the properties into design guidance.