A Framework for Design and Evaluation of Collaborative Virtual Environments

The paper presents an initial framework for studying issues in the design and evaluation of Collaborative Virtual Environments based on immersive projection technology systems. The framework consists of a software platform, developed using Virtools ® software suite, which supports collaborative work among collaborators in different immersive systems (CAVE®-like environment, Workbench, etc.), and usability inspection of each iteration of the platform. The objective of this setting for the framework was to gain insights on both technological aspects regarding the development of such a platform and human factors issues on collaborative work within Virtual Environments; and more importantly on the interrelation between technological and human factors aspects for building usable Collaborative Virtual Environments. A live demonstration of the platform connecting two CAVE®-like environments situated in geographically distant places was organized to collect feedback from participants. The demonstration provided the users with different interaction metaphors addressing the three main characteristics of collaborative work through Virtual Environments: awareness of others, context sharing, and negotiation and communication. Details about the platform, results of an informal observational study though the live demonstration and lessons learned from conducting such a framework are presented in the paper