Virtual Worlds, Volume 4, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 3 articles

The advent of mixed reality (MR) systems has revolutionized human–computer interactions by seamlessly integrating virtual elements with the real world. Devices like the HoloLens 2 (HL2) enable intuitive, hands-free interactions through advanced hand-tracking technology, making them valuable in fields such as education, healthcare, engineering, and training simulations. However, despite the growing adoption of MR, there is a noticeable lack of comprehensive comparisons between the hand-tracking accuracy of the HL2 and high-precision benchmarks like motion capture systems. Such evaluations are essential to assess the reliability of MR interactions, identify potential tracking limitations, and improve the overall precision of hand-based input in immersive applications. This study aims to assess the accuracy of HL2 in tracking hand position and measuring kinematic hand parameters, including joint angles and lateral pinch span (distance between thumb and index fingertips), using its tracking data. To achieve this, the Vicon motion capture system (VM) was used as a gold-standard reference. Three tasks were designed: (1) finger tracing of a 2D pattern in 3D space, (2) grasping various common objects, and (3) lateral pinching of objects with varying sizes. Task 1 tests fingertip tracking, Task 2 evaluates joint angle accuracy, and Task 3 examines the accuracy of pinch span measurement. In all tasks, HL2 and VM simultaneously recorded hand positions and movements. The data captured in Task 1 were analyzed to evaluate HL2’s hand-tracking capabilities against VM. Finger rotation angles from Task 2 and lateral pinch span from Task 3 were then used to assess HL2’s accuracy compared to VM. The results indicate that the HL2 exhibits millimeter-level errors compared to Vicon’s tracking system in Task 1, spanning in a range from 2 mm to 4 mm, suggesting that HL2’s hand-tracking system demonstrates good accuracy. Additionally, the reconstructed grasping positions in Task 2 from both systems show a strong correlation and an average error of 5°, while in Task 3, the accuracy of the HL2 is comparable to that of VM, improving performance as the object thickness increases. Full article

Desktop Virtual Worlds (DVWs) offer unique spatial affordances for education, yet understanding of how these environments support meaningful learning experiences remains limited. This study introduces the Socio-Spatial Embodiment Model, a novel framework conceptualizing learning in DVWs as shaped by the interconnection of embodied presence, place-making, and community formation. Through semi-structured interviews conducted with 14 experienced educators from the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium, we investigated how these dimensions intersect and what design strategies facilitate this integration. Thematic analysis revealed that strategic design employs cognitive offloading techniques and biophilic metaphors to enhance embodied presence, balance familiar elements with spatial innovations to create meaningful places, and leverage synchronous engagement with institutional identity markers to facilitate learning communities. Our findings identified design strategies that facilitate stronger perceived student connections to the learning environment and community, when DVW designs address spatial, emotional, social, and cultural factors while reinforcing both cognitive and perceptual processes. This research advances understanding of embodied learning in virtual environments by identifying the dynamic interdependence among presence, place, and community, providing practical strategies for educators in creating more meaningful virtual learning experiences. Full article

This bibliometric analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of 360-degree video in healthcare, identifying key research trends and emerging topics in this field. Data was sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and PubMed, and analyses were performed using the Biblioshiny package. Network visualization was conducted using VOSviewer. A total of 272 studies on 360-degree video were included in the analysis. The number of publications has shown a consistent upward trend from 2009 to 2024. Most publications (n = 234) were articles, indicating a maturing field. Institutions in North America and Germany lead the list of top affiliations. Research areas reflect interdisciplinary use of 360-video in healthcare, led by computer science (20.2%), followed by education (14.3%), healthcare sciences (10.7%), psychology (10.3%), and nursing (8.1%), demonstrating broad applicability across sectors. Recent emerging topics, such as empathy, stress, and well-being, indicate a growing research interest in the holistic aspects of healthcare interventions, particularly the psychological and emotional dimensions. Additionally, the concept of “presence” has gained increasing attention, reflecting its psychological and emotional impact. The findings suggest that further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of interactive learning and user engagement in 360-degree video experiences. Full article