Robeert C. Williges
The primary goal of this research is to provide a fundamental understanding of the major independent and dependent variables that improve human-to-human communication in computer-conferencing environments using 3D visualization. Computer conferencing can be enhanced by 3D visualization in order to facilitate electronic presence in human-to-human communication. It can also help learning, of individuals and groups. A host of human-computer interface parameters and alternative human sensory communication variables need to be considered simultaneously in the design of these computer-augmented systems. The large number of resulting variables preclude empirical evaluation in one large experimental design. These variables need to be investigated using sequential research techniques in order to build an integrated database using the results of several studies to specify the functional relationships among these variables. A five-year research effort is proposed involving three overlapping phases of investigation. Phase 1 includes the development of the 3D computer-conferencing environment that will operate using the 3D CAVE visualization tools and the development of appropriate evaluation metrics. Phase 2 deals with sequential research planning, selection of appropriate independent variables affecting human communication, selection of dependent variables affecting communication performance, and conducting a series of sequential experiments. Phase 3 is concerned with combining all the data into an integrated database that can be queried by an empirical model based on polynomial regression to optimize the 3D computer-conferencing system.