Research Article
Formalizing and Promoting Collaboration in 3D Virtual Environments – A Blueprint for the Creation of Group Interaction Patterns
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-642-11743-5_10, author={Andreas Schmeil and Martin Eppler}, title={Formalizing and Promoting Collaboration in 3D Virtual Environments -- A Blueprint for the Creation of Group Interaction Patterns}, proceedings={Facets of Virtual Environments. First International Conference, FaVE 2009, Berlin, Germany, July 27-29, 2009, Revised Selected Papers}, proceedings_a={FAVE}, year={2012}, month={5}, keywords={group interaction patterns embodied collaboration presence virtual worlds MUVE CSCW blueprint framework}, doi={10.1007/978-3-642-11743-5_10} }- Andreas Schmeil
Martin Eppler
Year: 2012
Formalizing and Promoting Collaboration in 3D Virtual Environments – A Blueprint for the Creation of Group Interaction Patterns
FAVE
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-11743-5_10
Abstract
Despite the fact that virtual worlds and other types of multi-user 3D collaboration spaces have long been subjects of research and of application experiences, it still remains unclear how to best benefit from meeting with colleagues and peers in a virtual environment with the aim of working together. Making use of the potential of virtual embodiment, i.e. being immersed in a space as a personal avatar, allows for innovative new forms of collaboration. In this paper, we present a framework that serves as a systematic formalization of collaboration elements in virtual environments. The framework is based on the semiotic distinctions among pragmatic, semantic and syntactic perspectives. It serves as a blueprint to guide users in designing, implementing, and executing virtual collaboration patterns tailored to their needs. We present two team and two community collaboration pattern examples as a result of the application of the framework: Virtual Meeting, Virtual Design Studio, Spatial Group Configuration, and Virtual Knowledge Fair. In conclusion, we also point out future research directions for this emerging domain.
