Perception in Pixels: Effects of Avatar Representation in Video-Mediated Collaborative Interactions

Fuente: arXiv
Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sinlapanuntakul, Pitch, Zachry, Mark
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1866915264546734080
author Sinlapanuntakul, Pitch
Zachry, Mark
author_facet Sinlapanuntakul, Pitch
Zachry, Mark
contents Interactive collaborative video is now a common part of remote work. Despite its prevalence, traditional video conferencing can be challenging, sometimes causing social discomforts that undermine process and outcomes. Avatars on 2D displays offer a promising alternative for enhancing self-representation, bridging the gap between virtual reality (VR) and traditional non-immersive video. However, the use of such avatars in activity-oriented group settings remains underexplored. To address this gap, we conducted a mixed-methods, within-subject study investigating the impacts of avatar-mediated versus traditional video representations on collaboration satisfaction and self-esteem. 32 participants (8 groups of 4 with pre-established relationships) engaged in goal-directed activities, followed by group interviews. Results indicate that avatars significantly enhance self-esteem and collaboration satisfaction, while qualitative insights reveal the dynamic perceptions and experiences of avatars, including benefits, challenges, and factors influencing adoption likelihood. Our study contributes to understanding and implications of avatars as a camera-driven representation in video-mediated collaborative interactions.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2405_03844
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Perception in Pixels: Effects of Avatar Representation in Video-Mediated Collaborative Interactions
Sinlapanuntakul, Pitch
Zachry, Mark
Human-Computer Interaction
H.5.1; H.5.3; J.4
Interactive collaborative video is now a common part of remote work. Despite its prevalence, traditional video conferencing can be challenging, sometimes causing social discomforts that undermine process and outcomes. Avatars on 2D displays offer a promising alternative for enhancing self-representation, bridging the gap between virtual reality (VR) and traditional non-immersive video. However, the use of such avatars in activity-oriented group settings remains underexplored. To address this gap, we conducted a mixed-methods, within-subject study investigating the impacts of avatar-mediated versus traditional video representations on collaboration satisfaction and self-esteem. 32 participants (8 groups of 4 with pre-established relationships) engaged in goal-directed activities, followed by group interviews. Results indicate that avatars significantly enhance self-esteem and collaboration satisfaction, while qualitative insights reveal the dynamic perceptions and experiences of avatars, including benefits, challenges, and factors influencing adoption likelihood. Our study contributes to understanding and implications of avatars as a camera-driven representation in video-mediated collaborative interactions.
title Perception in Pixels: Effects of Avatar Representation in Video-Mediated Collaborative Interactions
topic Human-Computer Interaction
H.5.1; H.5.3; J.4
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.03844