The Uncanny Valley in medical simulation-based training: a visual summary

TL;DR

This review explores how the Uncanny Valley phenomenon affects medical simulation training using virtual reality, emphasizing the importance of realism and addressing discomfort caused by near-real virtual humans.

Contribution

It provides a visual, evidence-based guide on the Uncanny Valley's impact in medical VR training, integrating multidisciplinary insights and highlighting implications for effective simulation design.

Findings

Uncanny Valley can cause discomfort in medical VR training.

Realism in virtual humans influences learner engagement.

Addressing Uncanny Valley effects improves training effectiveness.

Abstract

The purpose of this review article is to provide a bibliographical as well as evidence-based visual guide regarding the effect of ``Uncanny Valley'' (UV) and how it profoundly influences medical virtual reality simulation-based training. The phenomenon, where increasingly realistic virtual humans elicit discomfort due to subtle imperfections, is crucial to understand and address in the context of medical training, where realism and immersion are key to effective learning. Our research team, consisting of experts in computer graphics, virtual reality, and medical education, brings a diverse and multidisciplinary perspective to this subject. Our collective experience spans developing advanced computer graphics systems, VR character simulation, and innovative educational technologies. We have collaborated across institutions and industries to push the boundaries of VR applications in medical training.