The DiVE experience

Going to the DiVe on Thursday was an entirely new experience for me, and I was left in awe. Never before had I been in such an immersive and convincing virtual environment, which engaged me not through a screen but, rather, through a fully interactive system that adjusted to my perceptions and movements to maximize the impression of reality it projected. While I was in the DiVE, I experienced several programs which simulated a variety of different environments. For example, there was a program which simulated walking off of a bridge and falling into an abyss, and it was so convincing that I was scared of walking off of the bridge and falling. While I was virtually falling, all my sense told me that I was actually falling (except for the lack of wind that would normally accompany such a fall). The screen was moving appropriately and my sense of depth perception changed accordingly. I could feel my heart flutter. Also, there was another program that simulated a roller coaster ride, and I felt like I was actually on a roller coaster; the DiVE manipulated my vision and sense of direction to reinforce the roller coaster feeling. I had to check myself to remember that it was only a virtual experience. The entire experience was eye-opening: I did not realize that such technology existed, and I would like to learn more about it, including how it works and how to develop programs for it.

When I compare the DiVE to Second Life, a number of comparisons immediately stand out. First, Second Life occurs on a two-dimensional screen and tries to create a three-dimensional feel; conversely, the DiVE is three-dimesional. Second, the DiVE manipulated my senses to reinforce the sensations it was trying to create (for example, falling); Second Life could not do this. Third, the DiVE is more interactive and immersive than Second Life. As a participant, I am physically involved in the DiVE whereas my involvement was only virtual in Second Life. Fourth and finally, the DiVE is significantly more expensive for participants than Second Life.

In the end, the DiVE is a more immersive experience and is a truer representation of a virtual life, but given the immense costs associated with purchasing and installing a DiVE, Second Life is the more cost-effective way of engaging in a virtual reality.