Exploring past trends and current challenges of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) design: What does this mean for the design of virtual learning environments?

This chapter investigates the potential of aesthetics in the design of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). In particular, it aims to provide a means by which aesthetics can be applied in photorealistic Virtual Reality (VR) to create engaging experiences. Indeed, this chapter suggests that much can be gained from looking at the aesthetics of photorealistic VR content as opposed to solely looking at the more traditional HCI approaches that have mainly concentrated on the performance and efficiency issues of the technology. The chapter is motivated by the very notion that the aesthetic potential of photorealistic VR content is, and continues to be, underestimated whilst the emphasis on the development of newer and more efficient technologies to create engaging VR experiences increases. Challenging this, the author reports on the results of a comparative analysis performed on two photorealistic virtual environments. These results highlight how both aesthetic form and functionality - efficiency and performance issues - need to be considered in tandem in order to create engaging VR experiences. In demonstrating this, the chapter aims to not only successfully emphasize the experiential side of photorealistic VR, but also to advance the idea of the engaged interaction and in doing so, a new design drive for HCI.