Advantages and Disadvantages of a 3D Virtual Environment for Supporting Informal Communication in Distributed Workgroups Compared with a Text-chat and a Chat/Cam System

摘要

In conclusion, it can be said that virtual environments have the potential to support informal communication, especially in the exploration and negotiation stage. In addition, they combine a high degree of telepresence with the protection of teleworkers' privacy. For a higher suitability of virtual environments in a telework and tele co-operation context virtual environments systems should meet the requirements of working situations in a more proper way. Among other things improvements should focus on 1. "context-of-use"-adapted and easy to apply mimic and body language expressions 2. an easy navigation in the environment 3. a complete overview on present users 4. clearness about which user is represented by which avatar 5. the possibility to create an own, exclusive avatar, and 6. support for running the system in the background.