Virtual Dance Mirror: A Functional Approach to Avatar Representation through Movement in Immersive VR

Abstract

Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) technologies offer new possibilities for studying embodied interaction with different sets of constraints and affordances for action-taking while using one's physical body. In this study, we designed and prototyped a VR dance experience, Virtual Dance Mirror, where a dancer's bodily movements are reflected on a 3D avatar model using a motion-capture suit. We investigated the novel possibilities for avatar design based on the expression of movements available for dancers in VR environment. After a preliminary briefing session, we conducted a user-study with five dancers with semi-structured interviews. Our findings support HCI literature on virtual body design to facilitate collaboration and non-verbal communication between VR users.