Mirror Placement Matters in Remote Collaboration

Video Feedback (VF) in tele-conferences is reported to contribute to ‘Zoom Fatigue’ (ZF). However, such feedback is important for many remote collaborative tasks where users must be aware of their relationship to the camera. Tele-immersion (TI) is presented as an alternative to traditional interfaces that can mitigate symptoms of ZF while maintaining the benefit of VF. The effects of TI on behaviour are understudied. Therefore, we present the findings of a novel field study of 14 domain experts performing a remote collaborative task—improvisational theatre—under all three conditions: 1) with video feedback (VF) in an isolated window, 2) within a tele-immersive environment, and 3) without video feedback at all. A qualitative study was conducted using surveys measuring improv performance metrics. ‘Physical engagement’ and ‘presence’ were perceived highest with tele-immersion, while ‘attunement’ and ‘flow’ between performers were comparable between tele-immersion and no mirror. Isolated VF was perceived worse for most conditions.