AR/VR & HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are redefining the future of Human Computer Interaction (HCI). These technologies move us beyond traditional screen based interfaces into immersive environments where experience itself becomes the medium of interaction. 

At the core of this transformation is immersion and self-embodiment. In Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR), users don’t just view digital content, they feel a sense of presence and even ownership of the space they live. Augmented Reality (AR), in particular, is becoming a game changer in industries like marketing, media production, and real estate, where blending the physical and digital worlds opens powerful new possibilities.

 

At Presidency University, we are committed to advancing this frontier. Our state-of-the-art, VR Studio provides students with hands-on experience in AR, VR, MR and XR(Extended Reality) technologies. I am proud to share that our graduates are now shaping the future at leading immersive media and gaming companies such as Rockstar Games and NukeBox Studios.

 

Beyond education, industries worldwide are embracing AR/VR for training, simulation, and workforce development. The integration of Artificial Intelligence is accelerating this shift. It enables adaptive, intelligent, and contextaware experiences. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an Industry Connect program in Chennai, where over 100 start-ups were actively building immersive content and solutions. This shows how fast the ecosystem is growing in India.

 

Of course, challenges remain. Motion capture accuracy, heavy hardware, and high costs still limit adoption. Future research in HCI must therefore prioritize inclusive design, affordable and lightweight devices, and strong ethical frameworks to ensure these technologies enhance rather than hinder human experience.

 

As AR and VR continue to blur the boundaries between physical and digital realities, they mark a profound transformation in HCI. This invites us to explore new dimensions of cognition, embodiment, and human centered design. For me, this is not just an academic interest but a personal mission to prepare students, institutions, and industries to embrace a future where we don’t just use computers, we live inside them.

 

 

Prepared by

Dr. Vetrimani Elangovan,

Assistant Professor & HoD,

School of Information Science.