Carles Sora

Chasing real-time interaction in new media: towards a new theoretical approach and definition

ABSTRACT ‘Real-Time’ is one of the most frequent concepts used referring to digital media. Despite it is commonly related to immediate feedback, it is not clear when it happens and what its characteristics are, especially in current digital interfaces. Although real-time has been written about very extensively in the context of Human Computer Interaction and Computational Systems, there are few studies evaluating the key features of real-time interaction in other domains. This article attempts to address this situation by proposing a new approach to the concept of real-time interaction driving the analysis of this topic into paradigmatic cases studies in new media, video games and digital artworks. This new analysis reveals several specific facets that allow us to identify new factors in the understanding of this fuzzy concept. Finally, the article proposes a new definition of ‘real-time interaction’ based on the findings in the context of new media practices.

Coupling digital and physical worlds in an AR magic show performance: Lessons learned

“Magic for a Pixeloscope” is a one hour show conceived to be represented in a theater scenario that merges mixed and augmented reality (MR/AR) and full-body interaction with classical magic to create new tricks. The show was conceived by an interdisciplinary team composed by a magician, two interaction designers, a theater director and a stage designer. The magician uses custom based hardware and software to create new illusions which are a starting point to explore new language for magical expression. In this paper we introduce a conceptual framework used to inform the design of different tricks; we explore the design and production of some tricks included in the show and we describe the feedback received on the world premiere and some of the conclusions obtained.

Immersive Journalism and Virtual Reality

Immersive journalism is a practice that places the audience at the center of the journalistic narrative, creating first-person experiences by using Virtual Reality technologies and 360 degree video. This chapter reviews some of the current key ideas in understanding its importance and implications. Storytelling, empathy, the virtual/real duality, and interactivity are discussed along with several key works of the current new wave of immersive technologies. The text looks at both how immersive journalism connects to and how it innovates from the first VR experiences dated from over 20 years ago, in a moment when immersive technologies afford a context for these new storytelling practices to be consolidated.