The Immersive Virtual Environment of the digital fulldome: Considerations of relevant psychological processes

• Published in: International journal of human-computer studies Vol. 70; no. 8; pp. 561 - 575
• Main Authors: Schnall, Simone, Hedge, Craig, Weaver, Ruth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Digital fulldome; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Immersion; Immersive Virtual Environment; Learning; Occupational training. Personnel. Work management; Perception; Presence; Psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Software; Virtual reality; Vision; Learning; Psychology; Virtual reality; Presence; Immersion; Digital fulldome; Immersive Virtual Environment; Social perception; Visual memory; Teaching; Visual perception; Immersion: Psychology; Visual attention
• ISSN: 1071-5819; 1095-9300
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2012.04.001

One of the most recent additions to the range of Immersive Virtual Environments has been the digital fulldome. However, not much empirical research has been conducted to explore its potential and benefits over other types of presentation formats. In this review we provide a framework within which to examine the properties of fulldome environments and compare them to those of other existing immersive digital environments. We review the state-of-the-art of virtual reality technology, and then survey core areas of psychology relevant to experiences in the fulldome, including visual perception, attention, memory, social factors and individual differences. Building on the existing research within these domains, we propose potential directions for empirical investigation that highlight the great potential of the fulldome in teaching, learning and research.
► Explores potential of digital fulldomes in education. ► Reviews virtual reality technology relevant to fulldomes. ► Considers psychological factors including attention, learning and memory. ► Outlines research agenda testing educational benefits of fulldomes.