To learn more about Immersive Technology and the Reality — Virtuality Continuum visit: https://youtu.be/k0wVm6CotN8

Reality — Virtuality Continuum

Sarah Danielle
3 min readSep 27, 2020

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Mixing reality and the virtual realm

Welcome to the future, where the real world and digital world meet. An extended reality where almost anything is possible. With the help of Immersive Designers, a new technology exists where the two realms are combined; thus, creating a new world.

For more on The Reality — Virtuality Continuum visit: https://www.virtualiteach.com/post/2017/08/04/exploring-the-virtuality-continuum-and-its-terminology

This idea of a Extended Reality (XR) can be visualized as a scale known as: the Realty — Virtual Continuum. This scale encompasses a combination of different realities. The scale starts with the ‘real’ world, the phyiscal environment around us. It slowly mixes in digital elements in this real environment creating an Augmented Reality (AR). We then transition to an entirely Virtual Reality (VR), where our surrounding environment becomes artificial. A Mixed Environment (MR) can encompass any of these elements using human-computer interaction.

Virtual Reality (VR)

In simple terms, virtual reality is a simulated environment projected through a 3D computer. It is an artifical enviroment that plays on the users stimuli, such as sight and sound.

For more on Virtual Reality (VR) visit: https://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality/what-is-virtual-reality.html

Augmented Reality (AR)

An Augmented Reality is created by placing digital elements within the real-world environment. Snapchat and Pokemon Go are both popular for using this technology.

For more on Augmented Reality visit: https://www.immersiv.io/blog/what-is-augmented-reality-definition/

Mixed Reality (MR)

Mixed reality is the combination of virtual and real elements in a physical and/or digital space. This is where real and virtual objects co-exist. Digital elements are aware of surfaces and surroundings, and can interact in real time.

For more information about Mixed Reality visit: https://techterms.com/definition/mixed_reality

Extended Reality (XR)

Extended reality refers to ALL real and virtual combined environments that are made possible by human and machine interaction. It is an umbrella term for AR, VR, and MR, which mixes real and virtual elements; extending our reality with the use of computers.

For more information about Extended Reality visit: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2019/08/12/what-is-extended-reality-technology-a-simple-explanation-for-anyone/#126d029a7249

Immersive Experience Design

Immersive Experience Design is the enhancement to everyday life by using virtual elements developed by machines and technology to create an interaction between human and machine; immersing the user into a virtual world.

For more information about Immersive Experience Design visit: https://www.newgenapps.com/blog/immersive-design-meaning-usage-limitation/

All images where free to use from Unsplash. The Reality-Virtual Continuum chart was from wikipedia.

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