Virtual space and place: theory and test

  • Authors:

  • Carol Saunders;Anne F. Rutkowski;Michiel Van Genuchten;Doug Vogel;Julio Molina Orrego

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Management, College of Business Administration, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL;Department of Information Management, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands;Open Digital Dentistry, Zug, Switzerland;Department of Information Systems, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong;GDF Suez, The Netherlands

  • Venue:
  • MIS Quarterly
  • Year:
  • 2011

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Abstract

Little is known about how individuals come to relate to settings in virtual worlds (VWs), which are defined as digital environments in which individuals, groups, and even organizations interact in virtual (that is to say, nonphysical) spaces. This research develops a theory of virtual space and place (VSP), specifically relating this to the setting of Second Life (SL), a prominent social virtual world. We explore how three-dimensional space, as perceived by users, is able to provide them with an interactive experience with virtual objects, as well as with other VW denizens. To test our theory, we build interactive work tools in SL that are designed to reflect various degrees of motion range and to influence presence. The three information technology tools are evaluated by 150 business professionals who are either familiar or unfamiliar with SL. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.