From: R.Parker@cs.ucl.ac.uk
Subject: SCI: Help identifying VR interface issues for research
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 93 15:35:33 +0000



Hello to anyone reading this message.

I have recently started my Phd here at University College London and
would be very grateful for any help and infomation anyone can give to
help get me on my way with my research.

My work will be into virtual reality interfaces for commercial
applications, primarily along the lines of process control systems
etc. Though my interests lie in all applications of immersion
interfaces using either "virtual" or "processed" reality.

The aim of my work is to identify the areas and specific points of
human computer interface design that are particularly pertinent
to the design of VR interfaces.  To try to identify the potential 
gaps in current generally accepted HCI design theory where
VR interfaces are concerned. Then either fill or bridge these gaps in
order to form a framework or taxonomy for virtual reality interface
design. 

This may sound rather half baked, mainly because it is at the moment
but then I have only just started and the ideas are going to have to
change and mature.

Even so I would like to keep along these lines.

This sounds a daunting task, and once you start to think about it you
realise just what a huge piece of work this is. It is certainly to
much for one Phd, unless I worked on it for a very long time, but it
depends on many factors : completeness , complexity , depth , range of
application for such a taxonomy etc, etc...

But I am just starting out and would very grateful for any information
and suggestions about VR interface issues, especially HCI aspects but
also hardware and software issues.

Sources of information and possible people to contact would be
brilliant

I have a long way to go and the possibilities seem endless.
I know there are people out there who have had a lot of experience in
this field already and you help would be invaluable.

Thank you.

Robin.