VIRTUALITY CONTINUUM IN COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION: USER EXPERIENCE AND INTERACTION DESIGN IN SIMULATION AND INTERACTIVITY APPROACHES IN REAL AND VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS

The virtuality continuum is a phenomenon that has theoretical approaches and practical applications in various domains. The simulation, interactivity or immersion in virtual worlds can define new approaches on information and communication technologies. The relationships with the environment changes when technological interfaces, videogames or augmented reality technologies are used. Our study focuses on an approach based in the creative processes and explores the different possibilities of the digital interactive environments. Quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches are used to describe how virtuality continuum related technologies transform the relationships between individuals and their environments, focusing on interdisciplinary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) domains. Inductive methodologies are also used to describe the interactive dynamics in projects using virtual or augmented reality. Results show how virtuality continuum related technologies can transform environments and interaction processes by integrating several factors: creative processes, emergent no-lineal narrative dimension displays, and the implementation in established and emergent fields of research.