Heim Summary

In Michael Heim's Virtual Realism he talks about the definition of virtual reality, explaining the fact that the term virtual reality has a weak meaning and a strong meaning. The weak meaning is when the term virtual reality is used to describe anything that has to do with computers while the strong meaning is when the term is used to describe the actual experience of virtual reality which is characterized by what Heim calls the three I's: Immersion, interactivity and information intensity.
Immersion is the hallmark of virtual reality. When one is immersed he feels more like a participant in the experience than a spectator. Heim describes immersion as making an individual feel as if he has been transported to another place. Immersion can be facilitated in virtual reality through devices such as 3D graphics, surround sound, and other technological devices.
Interactivity comes from the individual participating in the virtual reality experience. This can occur in different ways depending on the type of virtual reality being used. For example in a flight simulator a device that is commonly used to train pilots the individual would move the controls as if he were flying a plane thus interacting in his virtual reality experience.
Information intensity allows the individual to gather information through something called telepresence. Telepresence occurs when the individual feels transported to another place through the virtual reality experience thus allowing him to gather information about an experience that he normally would not be able to gather information about.
Telepresence can occur in different forms and at different intensities. For example when we are on the phone we are experiencing a weak form of telepresence as we are limited to voice. When we go on the computer and stimulate more of our senses then the telepresence is of a stronger form.
In conclusion, Heim explains how through the three I's: Immersion, interactivity and information intensity individual's can truly experience virtual reality. Without the three I's it is possible to have a virtual experience but not necessarily one that is truly virtual reality. In addition telepresence is a key part of virtual reality and is becoming more and more common through not only our home computers but through simulators that are used by companies to train their employees in a safe and controlled environment.