Real-World Applications and Prototyping of Information Systems for Extended Reality (VR, AR, and MR)

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid advancement of Extended Reality (XR)—encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—is revolutionizing the landscape of digital interaction and information systems. The convergence of XR technologies with information systems presents transformative opportunities across various domains beyond entertainment, notably in education [1–3], healthcare [4,5], cultural heritage [6], industrial training, and smart public services [7].

In recent years, the real-world deployment of XR applications has been increasingly influenced by developments in prototyping methodologies, immersive interface design, and artificial intelligence [8,9]. Notably, the integration of Generative AI offers promising avenues for personalized content delivery, adaptive user interfaces, and intelligent decision-making processes within immersive environments [10]. These innovations are enabling the development of more inclusive, effective, and scalable information systems tailored for real-world contexts [5,11].

This Special Issue aims to explore how XR technologies, combined with robust information systems and AI-driven components, are being prototyped, tested, and applied in practical settings. Emphasis will be placed on design methodologies, system architecture, user experience evaluation, and socio-technical challenges. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary contributions that investigate the synergy between human–computer interaction (HCI), immersive learning, and AI-enhanced system design [9].

We welcome both original research and comprehensive review papers from scholars, developers, and practitioners working at the intersection of XR, information systems, and artificial intelligence. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Real-world applications of XR in education, healthcare, and digital cultural heritage;
• Prototyping of XR-based systems;
• Information systems design using VR, AR, or MR;
• AI-enhanced XR applications;
• Generative AI for dynamic content and interaction;
• User experience (UX) and interface evaluation;
• Human–computer interaction in immersive environments;
• Serious games, gamification, and game-based learning in XR environments;
• Digital Twin and Metaverse applications based on XR technologies.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

References: 

1. Guo, ; Guo, Y.; Liu, Y. The Development of Extended Reality in Education: Inspiration from the Research Literature. Sustainability 2021, 13, 13776. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413776.
2. Kuleto, ; P., M.I.; Stanescu, M.; Ranković, M.; Šević, N.P.; Păun, D.; Teodorescu, S. Extended Reality in Higher Education, a Responsible Innovation Approach for Generation Y and Generation Z. Sustainability 2021, 13, 11814. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111814.
3. Lampropoulos, G.; Kinshuk. Virtual Reality and Gamification in Education: A Systematic Review. Educ. Technol. Res. Dev. 2024, 72, 1691–1785. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-024-10351-3.
4. Ong, W.; Tan, M.C.J.; Lam, M.; Koh, V.T.C. Applications of Extended Reality in Ophthalmology: Systematic Review. J. Med. Internet Res. 2021, 23, e24152. https://doi.org/10.2196/24152.
5. Shaikh, A.; Dar, T.R.; Sofi, S. A Data-Centric Artificial Intelligent and Extended Reality Technology in Smart Healthcare Systems. Soc. Netw. Anal. Min. 2022, 12, 122. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13278-022-00888-7.
6. Tan, J.; Fu, X.; Lu, Y.; Chen, B.; Ding, Y. Investigating the moisture sorption behavior of naturally and artificially aged bamboo paper with multi-analytical techniques. Cult. Heritage 2023, 61, 65–75, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2023.03.004.
7. Cárdenas-Robledo, L.A.; Hernández-Uribe, Ó.; Reta, C.; Cantoral-Ceballos, J.A. Extended reality applications in industry 4.0.—A systematic literature review. Telematics Informatics 2022, 73, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2022.101863.
8. Kini, V.G.; Ganeshrao, S.B.; Siddalingaswamy, P.C. XR Review: A Comprehensive Analysis of Visual Function Testing and Gamification in Extended Reality Environments. IEEE Access 2024, 12, 79714–79730, https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2024.3408677.
9. Liu, R.; Gao, M.; Wang, L.; Wang, X.; Xiang, Y.; Zhang, A.; Xia, J.; Chen, Y.; Chen, S. Interactive Extended Reality Techniques in Information Visualization. IEEE Trans. Human-Machine Syst. 2022, 52, 1338–1351, https://doi.org/10.1109/thms.2022.3211317.
10. Dincelli, E.; Yayla, A. Immersive virtual reality in the age of the Metaverse: A hybrid-narrative review based on the technology affordance perspective. Strat. Inf. Syst. 2022, 31, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2022.101717.
11. Vasarainen, M.; Paavola, S.; Vetoshkina, L. A Systematic Literature Review on Extended Reality: Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality in Working Life. J. Virtual Real. 2021, 21, 1–28, https://doi.org/10.20870/ijvr.2021.21.2.4620.

Dr. Kitti Puritat
Dr. Kannikar Intawong
Dr. Wirapong Chansanam
Guest Editors

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