In Search for Immersive Virtual Reality Experience Model: Methodology Review

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) as an immersive technology innovation is progressively developed and empirically evaluated using systematic approaches among various disciplines. Numerous corroborated frameworks have been developed to consolidate theoretical knowledge of user performance within the virtual world. Since VR is applied in various interdisciplinary domains, integrative multidimensional models should be progressively developed to ensure VR systems succeed in inducing immersive experience (IX). Hence, this paper examines the conceptualization of recent immersive VR frameworks that best support the VR experience within the context of virtual heritage exploration. The narrative review is conducted based on three objectives: a.) to describe the underlying conceptual knowledge of immersive VR systems, b.) to explain the processing flow of each framework, and c.) to identify components and elements of IX. For that, related frameworks are selected through the process of screening, filtering, and then reviewing through critical reading and synthesizing the content aligned to objectives. The findings summarise the identified concept, processing flow, and IX components and elements. Thus, the study concludes that the conceptual and contextual understandings of VR are crucial to constructing a new integrative immersive VR framework. Nevertheless, this paper unveils vital components and elements of IX from previous studies that could be considered while developing and evaluating VR systems. Therefore, future research is about developing a new integrative IX model for empirically evaluating user performance in historical and cultural-based immersive VR systems.