Being them: presence of using non-human avatars in immersive virtual environment

Abstract

This work examines the differences of the effects between using humanoid and non-humanoid avatars on the user's Illusion of Virtual Body Ownership (IVBO) and experience. We used three kinds of avatars: bipedalism group (human), quadrupedalism group (wolf), and serpentine motion group (snake). The result shows that using non-humanoid avatars feel more sense of change of their body. Users feel more proficient when using the humanoid avatar, but are more pleased with the non-humanoid avatars.