"Zoom" without "fatigue"? (ZWF)

To investigate this question, a prototype app was developed that simulates video conferences in augmented reality, which was tested in a pilot study with conference interpreters and individuals with English as a foreign language. The simulated video conference corresponded to the format of a scientific conference that takes place online.

In the app, individual contents of the simulated conference (speaker, slides, audience, conference programme) were displayed on separate holograms that could be moved freely around the room. The study participants were asked to listen to or interpret two presentations: one presentation via a augmented reality headset and another in a conventional format on a desktop PC. In the augmented reality condition, they were able to use gestures to freely position the individual holograms in the room or change their size. In a final interview, the study participants reported on their experience and how they positioned the visual content in the room.

Results

Overall, the speaker and the slides received the largest portion of visual attention. In the MR setting, these elements were often placed in the centre of the participant’s field of vision. On average, interpreters made more adjustments to their visual environment than listeners to ensure good visual access to relevant elements. Listeners, on the other hand, seemed to focus on reducing irrelevant or potentially distracting visual input. However, the MR setting did not seem to reduce fatigue but rather increase it, possibly due to the lack of familiarity with MR technology or a vergence accommodation conflict.