Reading about Placeholder and Osmose in VR

After watching Osmose and Placeholder, I was able to have a better idea of immersion in virtual reality. Both artworks immerse the user in a unique experience through the use of technology. As noted from the reading, Osmose provides a full-body immersion through the use of a data-suit and stereoscopic head mounted display. As Dixon mentions, Chair Davie’s incorporation of breathing and upward body movements allow the imersant to navigate within virtual worlds. This was a great way for Char Davie to design a new way to provide an experience different from head movements, focusing in connecting “body, mind, and world” (p.375). Osmose represents natural reality through the use of natural objects like trees and rocks

Although technology was not as advanced as today, Osmose’s after effect of immersion and multidimensional sounds seem to create a floating sensation, which is a great potential for the user’s enjoyment. Thus, after watching the video and doing the reading about Osmose, I became really curious about how new technology can create new environmental effects that could replicate Chair Davie’s Osmose.

On the other hand, Placeholder provides a distinct virtual reality through a simple character animation with a 2D photographic perspective with 3D navigability. In this artwork, there is more interactivity with two participants using a HDM to connect with virtual spirit characters. Placeholder allows the participants to move virtual objects through the help of data gloves. Spiritual creatures simulate natural objects like spiders and snakes.

What I found more interesting in Placeholder than in Osmose is the link between people and spiritual characters in the virtual landscape. Placeholder connects the participants not to her or his own self, but with others. However, both artworks reconnect with nature through a virtual reality and the use of natural objects.