MirrorSpace: Using Proximity as an Interface to Video-Mediated Communication

One of the advantages of video over audio for mediated communication is the ability to transmit non-verbal information. Physical proximity between people is a language for non-verbal communication that we all employ everyday, although we are barely aware of it. Yet, existing systems for video-mediated communication fail to fully take into account these proxemics aspects of communication. In this paper, we present MirrorSpace, a video communication system that uses proximity as an interface to provide smooth transitions from general visual awareness to very close and intimate forms of communication. After introducing some related work, we provide an overview of the design concept of MirrorSpace. We then present some details of its implementation. Finally, we describe some initial user reactions to this system and conclude with directions for future research.