Abstract
Virtual Reality applications increasingly require methods to effectively guide users to important elements within the virtual environment. Central visual cues are the most common method, which have proven effective for directing attention, yet often compromise on level of immersion. This work explored whether peripheral visual cues could serve as an alternative approach that supports attention guidance while preserving sense of presence. We performed a user study with 24 participants to compare four visual cues: two central cues (Floating Text and Floating Arrow) and two peripheral cues (Edge Lighting and Swarm). Users completed a visual search task of 7 objects for each visual cue, with data collected on performance through reaction time, round time, and total errors. Additionally, presence and workload were evaluated through the IGROUP Presence Questionnaire and NASA Task Load Index, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between peripheral and central cues for presence, however performance and workload varied significantly based on specific cue implementation rather than type of positioning. Our findings indicate that peripheral positioning does not inherently provide attention guidance advantages over central placement. Instead, thoughtful cue design, with a simple yet clear appearance and behavior appears to be the critical factor for achieving effective attention guidance while preserving presence in IVEs. These results provide valuable insights for VR content creators to facilitate the design process of VR experiences.

Abstract
Nowadays, eXtended Reality (XR) has matured to the point where it seamlessly integrates various input and output modalities, enhancing the way users interact with digital environments. From traditional controllers and hand tracking to voice commands, eye tracking, and even biometric sensors, XR systems now offer more natural interactions. Similarly, output modalities have expanded beyond visual displays to include haptic feedback, spatial audio, and others, enriching the overall user experience. In this vein, as the field of XR becomes increasingly multimodal, the education process must also evolve to reflect these advancements. There is a growing need to incorporate additional modalities into the curriculum, helping students understand their relevance and practical applications. By exposing students to a diverse range of interaction techniques, they can better assess which modalities are most suitable for different contexts, enabling them to design more effective and human-centered solutions. This work describes an Advanced Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) course aimed at Doctoral Students in Computer Science. The primary objective is to provide students with the necessary knowledge in HMI by enabling them to articulate the fundamental concepts of the field, recognize and analyze the role of human factors, identify modern interaction methods and technologies, apply HCD principles to interactive system design and development, and implement appropriate methods for assessing interaction experiences across advanced HMI topics. In this vein, the course structure, the range of topics covered, assessment strategies, as well as the hardware and infrastructure employed are presented. Additionally, it highlights mini-projects, including flexibility for students to integrate their projects, fostering personalized and project-driven learning. The discussion reflects on the challenges inherent in keeping pace with this rapidly evolving field and emphasizes the importance of adapting to emerging trends. Finally, the paper outlines future directions and potential enhancements for the course.

Abstract
Virtual Reality allows users to experience realistic environments in an immersive and controlled manner, particularly beneficial for contexts where the real scenario is not easily or safely accessible. The choice between 360 content and 3D models impacts outcomes such as perceived quality and computational cost, but can also affect user attention. This study explores how attention manifests in VR using a 3D model or a 360 image rendered from said model during visuospatial tasks. User tests revealed no significant difference in workload or cybersickness between these types of content, while sense of presence was reportedly higher in the 3D environment.

Abstract
In Virtual Reality, feedback is usually provided through the handheld controllers. However, it is often limited to vibrotactile feedback. Some research has been done on property changing haptics, which can adapt to some characteristics of the virtual object being interacted with, thus being able to represent distinct objects. However, these are mostly focused on shape or texture and are mostly grounded devices. In this work, we propose a device that can change the material exposed to the user and is simultaneously untethered and ungrounded. Results from a user evaluation with 21 participants showed that our device can successfully convey different types of materials and that the same physical material can be used to make the user perceive different virtual materials.

Abstract
Editing 360 degrees videos remains a challenge in the content creation process of immersive experiences, video editing tools are primarily presented as 2D desktop GUI applications. These interfaces provide limited capabilities for previewing content in a virtual reality (VR) headset or for manipulating the spherical video directly in an intuitive manner. As a result, editors must alternate between editing on the desktop and previewing in the headset, which may be tedious and interrupts the creative process. In this work, we present the conceptualization, implementation, and evaluation of an immersive 3D editor, built as an extension of an existing 2D editor, which allows for 360 degrees editing directly using a VR headset with controllers. The editor provides the main functionalities to create 360 degrees experiences augmented with visual annotations to provide information or guide users' attention during the viewing experience. The immersive editor was evaluated through a user study to assess its usability and intuitiveness. Participants performed several tasks in both the existing 2D editor and the developed immersive editor, and provided feedback on their experience. Results indicate that performing editing tasks in the immersive editor felt overall easier and more intuitive, while also identifying potential changes and improvements to be addressed as future work.