The Effect of Scale Consistency between Real and Virtual Spaces on Immersion in Exhibition Hybrid Spaces

TL;DR

This study investigates how scale consistency between real and virtual spaces affects user immersion in exhibition hybrid environments, identifying optimal virtual space and avatar sizes to enhance immersive experience.

Contribution

It provides systematic insights into virtual-to-real scale ratios and avatar sizing that maximize immersion, based on experimental data and real-world application.

Findings

Participants preferred a virtual space scale of around 130%.

Optimal avatar sizes for immersion are within 75%-100%.

Deviations from real height reduce immersion significantly.

Abstract

In exhibition hybrid spaces, scale consistency between real and virtual spaces is crucial for user immersion. However, there is currently a lack of systematic research to determine appropriate virtual-to-real mapping ratios. This study developed an immersive interaction system based on Intel 3D Athlete Tracking body mapping technology. Two experiments investigated the impact of virtual space and virtual avatar scale on immersion. Experiment 1 investigated 30 participants' preferences for virtual space scale, while Experiment 2 tested the effect of 6 different virtual avatar sizes (25%-150%) on immersion. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess immersion, followed by analysis of variance and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests. Experiment 1 showed that participants preferred a virtual space ratio of 130% (mean 127.29%, SD 8.55%). Experiment 2 found that virtual avatar sizes within the 75%-100% range produced optimal immersion (p < 0.05). Immersion decreased significantly when virtual avatar sizes deviated from users' actual height (below 50% or above 125%). Participants were more sensitive to size changes in the 25%-75% range, while perception was weaker for changes in the 75%-100% range. Virtual environments slightly larger than real space (130%) and virtual avatars slightly smaller than users (75%-100%) optimize user immersion. These findings have been applied in the Intel Global Trade Center exhibition hall, demonstrating actionable insights for designing hybrid spaces that enhance immersion and coherence.