2024
Authors
Gonçalves, G; Melo, M; Serôdio, C; Silva, R; Bessa, M;
Publication
IEEE ACCESS
Abstract
Cybersickness refers to the negative symptoms caused by exposure to a Virtual Reality (VR) experience. The literature is consensual that cybersickness is a key factor in an experience, as the non-existence of cybersickness provides an optimal virtual experience. Thus, it is of utmost importance to evaluate cybersickness when assessing VR applications to understand the impact of this factor on the user experience and, ultimately, on the VR application viability. However, there is a lack of Portuguese instruments to evaluate this variable. To tackle this, this aimed to translate and validate the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) to Portuguese so it can be used with the Portuguese population and maintain its psychometric properties. The new instrument was validated using a sample of 603 Portuguese subjects aged between 16 and 79. Based on the observed results, the obtained theoretical model shows that the Portuguese version of the SSQ is valid for properly evaluating cybersickness in VR experiences with Portuguese samples.
2024
Authors
Sousa, N; Alén, E; Losada, N; Melo, M;
Publication
TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT-CROATIA
Abstract
Purpose - This study investigates the barriers to the adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) in the tourism industry. Although VR has great potential to enhance the tourist experience, the adoption of this technology is still limited in the tourism sector. Building on the fundamental principles of the Technology -Organization -Environment (TOE) theory and its contribution to perceptions of technology adoption, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the specific barriers to VR adoption by tourism enterprises. Methodology - To achieve this objective, interviews were conducted with managers of tourism companies, and the data was analysed using qualitative methodology through MAXQDA 20 software. Conclusions - The results reveal that the main barriers identified by managers mainly include lack of knowledge about VR, particularly in the tourism sector. The perceived lack of usefulness, limited experience with the technology, and reluctance to invest in technological equipment also emerge as barriers to VR adoption. Originality of research - This study can help companies in the tourism sector to develop more effective strategies to overcome these barriers, thereby improving the tourist experience and increasing their competitiveness in the market using VR equipment.
2024
Authors
Coelho, H; Monteiro, P; Gonçalves, G; Melo, M; Bessa, M;
Publication
IEEE ACCESS
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) for training helps minimize risks and costs by allowing more frequent and varied use of experiential training experiences, leading to active and improved learning. However, creating VR training experiences is costly and time-consuming, requiring software development experts. Additionally, current authoring tools are desktop-oriented, which detaches the process of creating the immersive experience from experiencing it in a situated context. This paper presents the development of an immersive authoring tool designed to create immersive virtual environments that can be used to train operatives. The authoring tool can record and replay animations of each action the user performed that can later be used to instruct other users how the task should be performed. Participants were divided into two groups, and the proposed authoring tool was evaluated using usability, satisfaction, presence and cybersickness. Between groups, Independent T-tests revealed that there were no significant differences between expert and non-expert groups in any of the studied variables. Also, the results showed that the authoring tool had high usability and satisfaction, average presence, and low probability of cybersickness symptoms.
2024
Authors
Sousa, N; Alén, E; Losada, N; Melo, M;
Publication
TOURISM MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES
Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) has proven to be an important contribution to tourists' decision-making regarding a destination. This fact can be determinant, especially when tourists face some social limitation or restriction that conditions their participation in tourism activities. Therefore, we aim to understand whether the possibility of experiencing immersive wine tourism activities can encourage future visits, as well as the recommendation of the VR experience and the destination itself. To achieve our goal, we offered 405 participants an experimental VR experience with digital content about a wine tourism activity. The results showed that participants feel that the VR experience influences their behavioural intention towards the wine tourism destination. The satisfaction felt from the experience leads to a significant effect on the intention to visit and to recommend the destination and the VR activity. These findings suggest to wine tourism destination managers that VR can play an essential role in tourism management.
2023
Authors
Gonçalves, G; Gonçalves, C; Rodrigues, P; Barbosa, L; Filipe, V; Melo, M; Bessa, M;
Publication
International Conference on Graphics and Interaction, ICGI 2023, Tomar, Portugal, November 2-3, 2023
Abstract
The modern manufacturing environment has adjusted to technological improvements. With Virtual Reality applications geared for factory training are becoming increasingly common. The industry is seeking ways to lower downtimes, resource component waste, risk of possible work accidents and decrease expenses, which can be achieved by engaging in new techniques of training professionals. This article evaluates a VR training application developed within the scope of the R&D project, aimed at training personnel in vehicle antenna production lines. We included the following variables: previous experience with VR technology, cybersickness, immersive tendencies, presence, system usability and satisfaction. Both the system usability scores and satisfaction were considered acceptable. We also found positive correlations between several variables, highlighting the possible influence of attention and familiarity with VR technology on the user experience. In contrast, a negative correlation raised questions about participants' expectations regarding VR technology and their resulting experience.
2024
Authors
Rodrigues, R; Machado, R; Monteiro, P; Melo, M; Barbosa, L; Bessa, M;
Publication
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 3, WORLDCIST 2023
Abstract
With industry evolution and the development of Industry 4.0, manufacturers are trying to leverage it and find a way to increase productivity. Digital Twins (DT) technologies allow them to achieve this objective and revolutionize Product Life-cycle Management as they provide real-time information and insights for companies, allowing real-time product monitoring. Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that permits users to interact with virtual objects in immersive environments; even under constant development, VR has proven efficient and effective in enhancing training. DT integration into immersive VR environments is constantly developing, with many challenges ahead. This study aims the development of an immersive virtual world for training integrated with DT technologies to handle all users' input using the simulator. Those were subject to a performance evaluation to understand how the application handles different input types, which confirmed the viability and reliability of this integration.
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