What Does “Asymmetric VR” Mean? A Directed Content Analysis of Co-Located Use of VR by Users on Reddit

Abstract

Technology is often framed in terms of space and time of use, such that a mobile phone is used to either send asynchronous messages or host synchronous conversations with remote others, while a classroom smartboard supports co-located, synchronous learning. As the technology becomes more immersive, the applicability of frameworks such as the time/place matrix becomes less clear. This study attempts to provide clarity by applying the Composite framework for Asymmetric VR (CAVR) to online forum descriptions of the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) in co-located groups. A related framework, Roles of Technology, is also explored; however, the authors argue the framework must be expanded before application of it beyond mobile technology. To better understand one possible solution to co-located VR’s isolation problem, a directed content analysis was conducted, exploring the discussion of co-located and asymmetric VR use on various subreddits. As a result, 11 patterns of co-located use of VR, including 8 which specify asymmetric VR designs, are identified. The researchers update the dimensions of CAVR according to these results, compare CAVR to another nascent framework, and offer suggestions for future work and applicability to practice. This work is intended to help guide future creation and research of asymmetric VR experiences through the deconstruction of existing asymmetric VR experiences to their key parts via the application of CAVR.

Enhancing Remote Industrial Training Experiences with Asymmetric Virtual Reality: Experiences, Tools and Guidelines

“…Asymmetric VR is a relatively novel branch of VR-related research that explores the use of VR among devices of different immersion and control levels, focusing on the experiences of non-HMD users [13]. The asymmetry occurs when users access the same virtual environment or system using a different technology (for instance, HMD and a desktop-based user interface), which cause uneven experiences and difference in interactions and control.…”

“…The term "asymmetry" took its roots from studies on telepresence and telecollaboration [12]-when symmetric access to virtual environments was reconsidered by virtually recreating a real environment and allowing remote participants to access it. However, in recent years, the research on asymmetric VR was focused on the use of VR for collaboration in co-located settings [13][14][15]19], whereas distributed asymmetric VR gained less attention and was mentioned as a cross-platform multi-user VR [14]. Several studies have investigated the appliance of VR in combination with other technologies of mixed-reality continuum or wearables [15,[21][22][23], contributing to a better understanding of immersion, presence, and social interactions of non-HMD users.…”

“…Asymmetric VR, which originated from studies on telepresence [12], evolved into a body of research, exploring the asymmetry of experiences between various groups of users, accessing virtual environments via different end devices [13][14][15]. Multiple studies demonstrated that, even in an asymmetric setup, VR enhances collaboration, communication, and learning in both co-located and distributed settings [9,[16][17][18][19].…”

Asymmetric VR Game Subgenres: Implications for Analysis and Design

“…Asymmetric virtual reality (AVR) systems and games are an emerging game genre that has generated increasing interest among virtual reality (VR) game designers, players, enthusiasts, and researchers in recent years (e.g., [1][2][3]). Players and designers of such games refer to them on Reddit by a variety of names ranging from "Asymmetric VR games" to "flat + VR" to "couch co-op VR" [1].…”

“…Asymmetric virtual reality (AVR) systems and games are an emerging game genre that has generated increasing interest among virtual reality (VR) game designers, players, enthusiasts, and researchers in recent years (e.g., [1][2][3]). Players and designers of such games refer to them on Reddit by a variety of names ranging from "Asymmetric VR games" to "flat + VR" to "couch co-op VR" [1]. AVR games typically combine a single VR player with one or more non-VR players who use another interface (e.g., mobile device, computer, TV, or even paper) to interact in the game world [1].…”