Supporting Joint Attention and Body Alignment Between Remote Users Walking Outdoors

Abstract

In outdoor activities, bidirectional exchange of nonverbal cues between users creates effective communication and empathy. However, there has been little discussion of how nonverbal cues should be bidirectionally transmitted between outdoor users with a symmetric system configuration. This study focuses on the perspectives of Joint Attention and Body Alignment, which are important nonverbal cues in such scenarios. We developed an AR prototype that implements FPV (first-person view) Timing Control and Distance Representation to support these perspectives. We conducted a user study using a 2 × 2 design, manipulating the locus of FPV Timing Control (Passive vs. Active) and Distance Representation variability (Move vs. Stay). We collected subjective questionnaire responses and objective behavioral measures. The results showed that the condition combining Active video control and a Stay avatar was preferred by participants. Additionally, from the perspective of participants’ behavior during the task and proxemics, we propose design implications to facilitate communication and information sharing among outdoor users.