Immersion


Immersion in design is used to describe the experience of an virtual interactive medium (such as video games) where the user is so engaged with the virtual, they no longer notice their physical world; sometimes, the user's own physical body fails to be noticed. Immersion can be created with realistic images, surround-sound and even changes in aroma. [|an example of an immersive-designed video-game]


Immersion has started to become a catch-phrase, to describe a virtual interaction so engaging, the user pays little attention to the physical world. This use of the world usually connotes a realistic graphics or enticing environment. [|example of immersion used as a buzz word]


In some situations, immersive virtual environments are desired. For example, flight simulators for pilots work better if the trainee engages with the virtual presentation they stop noticing that physical surroundings.


Complete immersion into a virtual reality does not always lead to positive qualities. Despite neglecting physical needs (hunger, thirst, etc), long periods of virtual immersion might lead to psychophysical issues. [|For example,] a 12 year boy died after playing 12 hours of video games straight. The cause was because "the prolonged emotional stimulation of the brain led to a haemorrhage."