Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
3D interface devices are being announced as rendering virtual world navigation easier. We have prepared a usability testing framework for two such devices, SpaceNavigator and SpacePilot PRO, manufactured by 3Dconnexion. The paper summarizes the underlying concepts of usability testing and links them to the requirements of a virtual world 3D interface context. We detail the metrics to be employed and the reasoning behind their selection, and the planning which yielded the actual framework to be used for conducting the 3D interface usability tests in the Second Life virtual world. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
The use of keyboard and mouse combinations to navigate 3D environments of virtual worlds requires the coordination of both hands in order for the 2D degrees of motion of the mice to transform into the variety of motions available in a 3D space. Such coordination may pose a challenge to people with motor disabilities. 3D controllers known as "3D mice" are presented by manufacturers as significant interface alternatives. To establish the feasibility of such claims, we have conducted a usability test of two 3D mice marketed by 3Dconnexion, in parallel with a keyboard+mouse test. The 10 participants had motor disabilities due to medullary lesions on vertebrae C5-D11, and performed 13 different tasks in the Second Life virtual world: 5 participants used 3D mice, 5 used keyboard+mouse. We have concluded that 2-3 of the 5 most challenging tasks in the keyboard+mouse combination become less challenging using 3D mice. Participants' feedback was more positive regarding 3D mice, but with significant differences between mice. Contrary to our initial expectations, the least stable mouse, Space Navigator, originated the best feedback. (C) 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Programme Committee of the 4th International Conference on Software Development for Enhancing Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion (DSAI 2012)

Abstract
Companies that are present at multiple online locations may have difficulty staffing them adequately in terms of helpdesk services with efficient use of human resources. In this paper a technological architecture is presented that allows a team of people to staff several online locations simultaneously, providing to customers/users the indication of human presence to attend them. We also present details on a first prototype implementation of this architecture.

Abstract
Organizations with a presence in the Second Life (R) world typically only provide direct user interaction with staff at specific schedules, or not at all. We present a system that provides organizations with a simple way to enable constant interaction with users of the Second Life world, by simulating staff presence using automated avatars as communication channels to real-life staff by means of instant messaging and short message service technologies. Staff members are assigned to communication with Second Life avatars based on a hierarchy of information desk staffing priorities, and communication is bidirectional.