Though my direction may have changed recently I still have a personal interest in 3D, augmented reality and Location based Services. Also, it’s good business sense to keep up to date with these emerging technology trends.

Talks of Interest to me?

Mark Campbell from eMedia will be discussing 3D iPhone Apps.

From my old haunt IADT, Frederic Herrera from Create Ireland will give an overview of the applications of the VLab (a Cave – Computer-generated Automatic Virtual Environment) based at IADT – something I keep meaning to go and experience for myself.

Speaking of IADT, another 3D orientated talk will be given by my old HCI lecturer Ciaran McGuinness from Computer Clubhouse, the technology centre for young people in the heart of the Liberties.

Members from TOG will be showcasing  3D printing with a CupCake CNC machine – the seriously cool open source 3D printer featured in the video below.

Paul Lee from Viewsion will be discussing the business uses for Google Apps such as SketchUp, Earth, and Maps.

Steve Plunkett from Red Bee Media will be addressing the changes in television, including the effect of 3D and the internet. Should be a really interesting one considering the recent Google TV announcements.

Check out the full list of talks and register to attend this fantastic free technology event here.

Having very much enjoyed this same event last year

Talks of interest to a Cyberpsychologist?

Mark Campbell from eMedia will be showcasing 3D Medical animations employed as elearning tools for life sciences.

Ronan Skehill from YourPinPoints shall discuss the business, societal and privacy issues surrounding location based services.

PhD Researcher David McKeown will be discussing the shortcomings of 2D mice and keyboards being used to interface with 3D environments, and demonstrating the use of wiimotes with 3D PC applications and robots.

Artist Miriam Lohan will introduce Sound Mapping – how to read a map by listening, perceiving presence and filtering information for navigation or pleasure.

PhD Student Fabiano Pinatti will explore how technology can support the nomadic/mobile aspects of modern work and life.

My name is Eily Coghlan, and I’m currently studying Msc Cyberpsychology along with Sinéad. My research is specifically interested in investigating gender bending online. This is when an individual chooses to play an avatar who has a different gender online then they have in real life. It’s a common occurrence in online gaming, and a simple Google search returns hundreds of thousands of results. I’m trying to discover what inspires people to gender bend and what reasons they have for doing so. As part of my reseach I have created an online survey which I need people who gender-bend in these games AND people who don’t gender-bend to fill out.

Like Sinéad has already done, you also have the chance to win a €50 Amazon voucher at the end of the survey! You can now double your chances! I appreciate anyone who responds, I am extremely grateful! If you don’t happen to play either of these games, please pass it on to anyone that you know who does. It’s quite quick, only takes 10 minutes to complete!

Thanks to Sinéad for letting me sneak in on her blog!

What factors influence individuals to create 3D avatars as similar or dissimilar to their true physical forms?

Altering your digital self presentation, your avatar, in a 3D environment is as easy as applying make-up in the physical world. Unlike the physical world, however, making precise and dramatic changes to self presentation can be instantaneous rather than laborious e.g. losing weight. By putting an individual in total control they are free to create an avatar of their actual self (how they currently are), ideal self (how they would like to be) or their ought self (how they think they should be). Studies have indicated that users of online multi-player games will create a representation of themselves that reflects and approximates an idealised version of themselves, the ideal self. However, there are individual differences e.g. personality, goals etc., that can influence self representation online and thus there are users that deviate from the norm.

Can individuals be influenced by 3D avatars with dissimilar characteristics to their real life selves?

For some individuals the gap between their ideal self and actual self can be quite far apart and this can have a dramatic impact upon the individual’s evaluation of themselves. These users are particularly likely to create an avatar that is a highly idealised version of themselves, especially individuals suffering from low self esteem and/or depression. Recent research by the Virtual Human Interaction Lab has suggested that users can be influenced by their virtual world counterparts. For users that suffer from low self esteem this might suggest that socially interacting online with an idealised version of themselves could build confidence for real world interactions. (Related Article: How Second Life Affects Real Life)

Why do children and young adults create 3D avatars that are very visually dissimilar to their real life selves?

As the body develops from childhood, through adolescence and into adulthood, so too does your sense of self. Your identity formation involves two aspects – exploration (experimentation) and commitment (decision making). Studies have suggested that the Internet can be an important aid for young people as they search for an adult identity, especially when an individual is experiencing high levels of exploration but low levels of commitment. 3D environments in particular are helpful by providing the individual with the ability to experiment with self image combined with low levels of real-life consequence. (Related Article: Adolescents’ Online Self-Disclosure and Self-Presentation)

Why is there a higher adoption rate of 3D Environments with younger users?

The draw of 3D environments to younger users is due to a combination of factors. The ability to experiment with self identity – as discussed above. High levels of familiarity and accessibility from a very young age to 3D graphics through animated television shows, movies and through gaming. The desire for non-passive visual and cognitive stimulation, in comparison to passive forms of entertainment such as TV. Though it is true that an individual’s attention span can shorten through constant and immediate stimulation, the positive effects are an increased ability to multi-task and higher levels of motivation to complete tasks.