Standards for science communication in extended and virtual reality: a model for XR/VR based on London Charter and Seville Principles

J.L. Rubio-Tamayo, D.L. Wuebben, M. Gertrudix

Journal of Science Communication Vol. 23, nº. 3, pp. A03-1 - A03-27

Summary:

Videos featuring research results, laboratory tutorials, and online webinars are fundamental tools for disseminating science and boosting scientific impact. However, extended reality (XR) video technologies, which include virtual reality (VR), represent new challenges for scientists and science communicators. XR and VR can enhance, bend, or distort the reality surrounding scientific facts. The London Charter and Seville Principles are standards for computer-based visualization and reconstruction in a virtual reproduction of heritage sites and research in domains such as archaeology. Here, we develop a similar set of standards for the representation of scientific results in XR and VR and clarify the use of implicit XR and VR elements such as storytelling, setting, agency, interactivity, and other factors. Finally, the authors propose a framework XR/VR Model of Science Representation and Communication, derived from the context and other frameworks for representing information in virtual environments.

Spanish layman's summary:

Los videos con resultados de investigación, tutoriales de laboratorio y seminarios web son claves para la comunicación científica. Sin embargo, las tecnologías XR y VR presentan nuevos desafíos al poder mejorar o distorsionar hechos científicos. Este estudio propone estándares para representar resultados científicos en XR/VR, basados en la Carta de Londres y los Principios de Sevilla, e introduce un marco para la comunicación científica en XR/VR.

English layman's summary:

Videos with research results, lab tutorials, and webinars are key for science communication. XR and VR technologies, though, pose new challenges as they can enhance or distort scientific facts. This study proposes standards for representing scientific results in XR/VR, based on the London Charter and Seville Principles, and introduces a framework for XR/VR science communication.

Keywords: Science and media; Science communication; theory and models; Science education

JCR Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 2,000 - Q2 (2023)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.22323/2.23030203

Published on paper: 2024.

Published on-line: April 2024.

Citation:
J.L. Rubio-Tamayo, D.L. Wuebben, M. Gertrudix, Standards for science communication in extended and virtual reality: a model for XR/VR based on London Charter and Seville Principles. Journal of Science Communication. Vol. 23, nº. 3, pp. A03-1 - A03-27, 2024. [Online: April 2024]