Live E-Communication with vitero:
- Simple and intuitive handling
- Moderation possible
- Based on scientific findings
- Very flexible and adaptable
- Tab-proof due to servers in Germany
Ergonomics
The ergonomic user interface consistently follows the results of over 10 years of Fraunhofer research and numerous scientific evaluations.
An interdisciplinary team of usability experts, cognitive psychologists, designers and IT specialists researched a wide variety of virtual communication settings at Fraunhofer IAO using specially developed prototypes. The aim was to develop software that effectively supports users in their communication needs without putting unnecessary strain on them (avoiding the "extraneous cognitive load"). Prototypes were therefore developed for various application scenarios and tested on hundreds of test subjects. Findings included that communication in the virtual space must be based on the presence situation. This is the only way to achieve simple and intuitive usability of the software. At the same time, this results in a high user acceptance and efficient communication. For these reasons, vitero has unique, patented ergonomics and a wide range of collaboration and moderation tools - suitable for every setting.
Real world metaphors
Unlike conventional tools, vitero uses so-called real world metaphors, i.e. connections and habits familiar from reality that enable quick orientation in a virtual space. Many well-known and proven communication habits can thus be maintained, e.g .:
- Table metaphor: The participants "sit" together at a table. The participant representatives, so-called avatars, are arranged in a U-shape. The learning or discussion content is literally “brought to the table”.
- Change of seats equals a change of role: As in a real meeting situation, the meeting leader or presenter sits at the top of the table and controls the presentation. If the presenter changes, the seats are changed, "just like in real life".
- No split attention effect, but a high level of group awareness: All information belonging to one person is displayed next to each other: photo or webcam image, name tag, speech bubble, role information (via position), right to speak (via microphone object), speech status (via sound waves), absence status (via the coffee cup symbol), registration gesture, ...
Despite the spatial separation, the participants have a feeling of social presence in vitero. Thus a personal and concentrated working atmosphere is created. The communication process becomes more efficient, personal and structured.
Screenshot1: Meeting in a virtual space.
Participant represented by an avatar
The participants are visualised by an "avatar" using a photo, names and gestures. Audio communication takes place via voice-over-IP using a computer headset or over the phone. Text-based communication occurs via text chat, card queries and the multiuserboard. Content is visualised on the presentation area in the middle of the virtual table. Whether it is a spreadsheet, video, website, tutorial - thanks to application or desktop sharing, almost everything can be integrated.
The possibilities of variation and expansion are great in vitero. For example, communication settings taking place in vitero can be organised with, without moderation or with moderation and co-moderation. Moderation tools allow the meeting to be structured and controlled.
1The graphic is an illustration that does not represent an assurance of properties.
