Effect of external characteristics of a virtual human being during the use of a computer-assisted therapy tool

TL;DR

This study investigates how the visual similarity of virtual agents to users affects identification, emotional response, and motivation in computer-assisted therapy, emphasizing the importance of customization for improved user engagement.

Contribution

It demonstrates that customizing virtual agents to resemble users enhances identification and emotional engagement, informing design strategies for therapy tools.

Findings

Similarity increases user identification with virtual agents

Enhanced identification improves emotional response and motivation

Customization positively influences user interest and enjoyment

Abstract

Identification within media, whether with real or fictional characters, significantly impacts users, shaping their behavior and enriching their social and emotional experiences. Immersive media, like video games, utilize virtual entities such as agents, avatars, or NPCs to connect users with virtual worlds, fostering a heightened sense of immersion and identification. However, challenges arise in visually representing these entities, with design decisions crucial for enhancing user interaction. Recent research highlights the potential of user-defined design, or customization, which goes beyond mere visual resemblance to the user. Understanding how identification with virtual avatars influences user experiences, especially in psychological interventions, is pivotal. In a study exploring this, 22 participants created virtual agents either similar or dissimilar to themselves, which then addressed their dysfunctional thoughts. Results indicate that similarity between users and virtual agents not only boosts identification but also positively impacts emotions and motivation, enhancing interest and enjoyment. This study sheds light on the significance of customization and identification, particularly in computer-assisted therapy tools, underscoring the importance of visual design for optimizing user experiences.