2/4/2025 | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Grand Peninsula D

Effects of stereoscopic representations in sublime experiences induced by immersive VR

Author(s)

Yoshihiro Banchi | Waseda University
Taisei Tsukahara | Waseda University
Tomohiro Ishizu | Kansai University
Takashi Kawai | Waseda University

Abstract

 

The concept of the sublime, which refers to the human emotion experienced when encountering vastness, fear, or ambiguity, has long been a theme in aesthetics. This study investigates the visual conditions that evoke feelings of sublimity using virtual reality (VR) environments. Based on previous research, we created sublime content and had participants observe it under conditions of wide and narrow field of view (FOV), as well as 2D and 3D visuals. We collected both subjective evaluations and physiological data from the participants. The results indicated that a wide FOV enhanced the sense of sublimity and comfort. Gaze fixation data showed that under the conditions of wide FOV and 3D visuals, participants exhibited higher levels of engagement, supporting the effect of the sublime experience in VR environments. This suggests that wide FOV and stereoscopic representations may be a useful tool for amplifying feelings of sublimity.