One question we are frequently asked is why use 3D for a collaboration environment? While it might be possible to build a 2D tool with functionality similar to MPK20, the spacial layout of the 3D world coupled with the immersive audio provides strong cognitive cues that enhance collaboration. For example, the juxtapostion of avatars in the world coupled with the volume and location of the voices allows people to intuit who they can talk to at any given time. The 3D space provides a natural way to organize multiple, simultaneous conversations. Likewise, the arrangement of the objects within the space provides conversational context. If other avatars are gathering near the entrance to a virtual conference room, it is a good guess that they are about to attend a meeting in that space. It is then natural to talk to those people about the content or timing of the meeting, just as you would if attending a physical meeting. In terms of data sharing, looking at objects together is a natural activity. With the 3D spacial cues, each person can get an immediate sense of what the other collaborators can and cannot see." This is kinda wonky techy engineer talk but makes sense to me... 3D quite simply works for remote working and connects people in a way 2D, Skype, IM, email or video conferencing cannot. But begs the question; if company's like Sun and IBM can pop up their own virtual worlds in a few months, not to mention new media companies of 10-20 people, will there be one virtual world technology to rule them all?
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Sun Asks and Answers - "Why 3D for Collaboration?"
One question we are frequently asked is why use 3D for a collaboration environment? While it might be possible to build a 2D tool with functionality similar to MPK20, the spacial layout of the 3D world coupled with the immersive audio provides strong cognitive cues that enhance collaboration. For example, the juxtapostion of avatars in the world coupled with the volume and location of the voices allows people to intuit who they can talk to at any given time. The 3D space provides a natural way to organize multiple, simultaneous conversations. Likewise, the arrangement of the objects within the space provides conversational context. If other avatars are gathering near the entrance to a virtual conference room, it is a good guess that they are about to attend a meeting in that space. It is then natural to talk to those people about the content or timing of the meeting, just as you would if attending a physical meeting. In terms of data sharing, looking at objects together is a natural activity. With the 3D spacial cues, each person can get an immediate sense of what the other collaborators can and cannot see." This is kinda wonky techy engineer talk but makes sense to me... 3D quite simply works for remote working and connects people in a way 2D, Skype, IM, email or video conferencing cannot. But begs the question; if company's like Sun and IBM can pop up their own virtual worlds in a few months, not to mention new media companies of 10-20 people, will there be one virtual world technology to rule them all?
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