An interesting aspect of interface design is Natural User Interface:
In computing, a natural user interface, or NUI, or Natural Interface is the common parlance used by designers and developers of human-machine interfaces to refer to a user interface that is effectively invisible, and remains invisible as the user continuously learns increasingly complex interactions. The word natural is used because most computer interfaces use artificial control devices whose operation has to be learned.1
Beside researching the abstract, fundamental theory of the experience of media like immersion, this research is also focused on applying game design theory to be able to develop a good user experience for the interface devices that are being researched.
Below are two excellent videos about the Oculus Rift, developments in Virtual Reality gaming and how new inputs are being used in VR. An interesting point is made about the Oculus Rift excelling in providing a feeling of “presence” in a virtual world.
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One of the most interesting implications of Virtual Reality and new interface devices is the potential of providing a new dimension of immersion to games. But what exactly is immersion? What are the distinct characteristics of immersion for games? When does a player get immersed in a game? And how do you design for that to happen?
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