We live in a time in which the constant renewal of the models and products born from innovation become a main directional motor of the technological market tendencies. Among the suppliers assigned to the electronic industry of the market, some issues such as design outline and product manufacture, development of avant-garde electronic systems, monitoring of the consumers’ tendencies, among others, become fundamental. In short, we have built up the possibilities of recreating the extraordinary: open the doors to new worlds through virtual reality; we have come to the point where it is inconceivable to understand our contemporary life apart from the roots of technology.

This way, when it comes to imagine an experience that fulfills the possible expectations of the user, the industry projects a constant renewal of the electronic products that are appearing in the market; this, with the firm purpose of not being left out of the technological innovation scene and the prevailing modernization.

What is the user’s environmental experience?

The electronic experts understand the «user’s environmental experience» as the result of the individual interaction with a network of technological devices that amplify the perception of a recreated reality from a virtual plane.

From this renewing tool, concepts such as «virtual reality» or «augmented reality» have marked a growing tendency in the field of technological innovation. In this sense, we are starting witness a movement from the physical and real space into an essentially virtual perspective.

What are virtual reality and augmented reality?

Attending to this purpose, it is necessary to explain these two twinned concepts within the branches of computer science, concepts that help to efficiently understand the roots of the user’s environmental experience:

Virtual reality. This is a computer model that generates images of special constructions simulated in real time. The visual illusion that can be developed by the individual plays an important role within this representation. At the same time, the construction of virtual scenes and the user’s ability to move inside this illusory space give a unique and unbeatable experience. In addition, virtual reality owns different applications within the field of cultural heritage reconstruction (through virtual restoration of ancient pieces for their proper study), medicine and anatomy (to elaborate efficient diagnostics based on the virtual simulation of the human body), as well in the simulation of extreme situations in order to treat patients with phobias, anxiety disorders, also in other proper physiologic studies.

Augmented reality. It is the result of combining the real world vision with some virtual recreations framed within a computer procedure. Augmented reality can be found in videogames, three-dimensional projections (3D), virtual fitting rooms, among other interesting utilities. That way, its essential objective resides in offering a visual experience that transcend the everyday life plane.

Utilities on sight within the user’s environmental experience

Although some interactive properties to be develop within this technological tool have not yet been materialized, some specialists have projected future possible products and services in the work sphere and in entertainment that may be produce through an innovative conception. For this, marketing experts investigate possible viable paths in the design and manufacture of systems that promise this experience.

Within the digital field, there is a mobile application under development, which is designed to allow users to watch TV shows and movies at the same time that offers the possibility to inform curiosities and facts about the film in real time. For their part, some private companies have looked to develop applications that monitor projects and interact with employees regarding tasks planning.

It is even known that there are already in the market some models that give you the opportunity to transport the user to a virtual reality system from a mobile screen to specialized helmets of visual and auditory perception. Some university institutions have moved different resources in benefit of the research and manufacture of some of these technological objects.

Purpose of the user’s environmental experience

As far as it concerns to the user’s environmental experience, several key issues must be taken into account, such as the organization of space within the virtual recreation, the correct choice of elements put into play within the visual simulation that help to wake up sensation in the individual, also the aesthetic conception of the computer system. Thus, the user will be able to enjoy a nice experience within the new framework of innovation.

In conclusion, the user’s environmental experience recognizes new facets in the observation of our real environment: it allows to explore figuratively inhospitable grounds from the comfort of home. At the same time, offers a superior degree of interaction with the innovation of virtual reality. Summed up, environmental experience is an innovative computer window to new worlds.

Written by Andrés Márquez (Communication and Diffusion, PIT-UAS), translated by Belem Ruiz (Edition and Communication, PIT-UAS).