Towards visualizing HCI for immersive environments: the meta-situational tracker

The Metaverse is a synthesized world that combines computer-generated elements with the real-world to either augment of supplant a users view reality. To fully participate in this meta-world, users must access it through a unique interface that is visually immersive and non-restrictive, interactive and collaborative. Our ongoing research program in immersive environments emphasizes techniques that make widespread deployment and use of the Metaverse feasible. To that end, we are addressing technical challenges related to self-configuring, self-monitoring displays. Other researchers have made significant progress in overcoming the obstacles related to building tilted displays. Although these technical advances have made low-cost immersive displays feasible for a larger community of users, there is little understanding of the remaining HCI obstacles that prevent widespread deployment of such systems. Our early work, as part of a five-year evaluation project, focuses on defining the methods that will be required to understand usability and utility of the technology. Additionally, we are developing of tools that will assist researchers in characterizing the behavior of users within nonrestrictive immersive environments.