Position Paper Experiences on the limits and differences of user behavior on Virtual Environments

In this paper we argue that the technology to create Virtual Environment (VE) is not yet to the point where we can ignore the effect on the user of the limits of the quality of the simulation. User cannot interact with the virtual world using the same techniques they use in the real world. We firmly believe there is a need to understand the limits and differences of the translation of real-world experience to VE. Furthermore we believe in creating a range of simulations with different quality adapted to heterogeneous hardware environments, and to study how to help users in those environments to interact. This paper presents the experience gathered while evaluating and using two VE: CAVE-ETD (a library simulation), and the CAVE Collaborative Console, a shared virtual space in which remote users can interact. While developed for different purposes, both environments provide insights about the way users modify their behavior to adapt to the quality and fidelity of the simulation.