Glossary

11.4 Emerging Technologies in Visual Media

5 min read•july 29, 2024

Emerging technologies are revolutionizing visual media. Virtual and , , and haptic tech are creating immersive experiences that blur the line between digital and physical worlds. These innovations are transforming how we create, consume, and interact with visual content.

The impact of these technologies spans industries, from entertainment and education to healthcare and marketing. While they offer exciting possibilities, they also raise ethical concerns about privacy, accessibility, and psychological effects. As visual media evolves, we must navigate the challenges and opportunities of this new digital frontier.

Cutting-edge Visual Technologies

Virtual and Augmented Reality

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  • (VR) generates a fully immersive, computer-generated 3D environment that users can interact with using specialized equipment (headsets, gloves with sensors)
  • Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of reality through visual, auditory, and other sensory modalities
  • (MR) combines aspects of VR and AR, creating new environments where physical and digital objects coexist and interact in real-time
  • (XR) encompasses all technologies that enhance our senses, including VR, AR, and MR, by providing additional information about the real world or creating simulated worlds

Volumetric Video and Haptic Technology

  • Volumetric video and create highly realistic, three-dimensional digital representations of people, objects, and environments that can be viewed from any angle and integrated into immersive experiences
    • These technologies capture depth and volume data, allowing for the creation of lifelike 3D models and holograms
    • Volumetric video enables free viewpoint playback, giving users the ability to view a scene from any angle or perspective
  • , also known as kinesthetic communication or 3D touch, simulates the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user
    • Haptic feedback can assist in creating virtual objects, controlling virtual objects, and enhancing remote control of machines and devices
    • Examples of haptic technology include vibrating game controllers, force feedback joysticks, and touchscreens with tactile feedback

Applications of Emerging Technologies

Industry Applications

  • Entertainment: VR and AR create highly immersive and interactive experiences for gaming (VR arcades, AR mobile games), movies (VR cinema), and live events (virtual concerts)
  • Education and training: Realistic simulations for skills development (surgical training, flight simulation), virtual field trips, and
  • Healthcare: (treatment of phobias and PTSD), (telesurgery), and (3D models for diagnosis and treatment planning)
  • Engineering and design: Prototyping, testing, and collaboration on complex projects (automotive design, )
  • Marketing and advertising: Engaging and memorable brand experiences (virtual product demonstrations, AR-enhanced packaging)

Potential Benefits and Challenges

  • Emerging visual technologies can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and open up new possibilities for creativity and innovation across industries
  • The adoption of these technologies can lead to significant changes in how we work, learn, communicate, and entertain ourselves
  • However, widespread use also raises concerns about privacy (collection of personal data), security (data protection), addiction (prolonged exposure to virtual environments), social isolation, and the blurring of lines between reality and virtual experiences
  • As technologies become more sophisticated and accessible, it is important to consider their long-term effects on individuals, society, and the economy and develop responsible guidelines and regulations for their development and use

Ethical Considerations of Visual Technologies

Psychological and Social Impact

  • Increasing realism and immersion of virtual experiences raises ethical questions about the psychological and social effects of prolonged exposure to simulated environments, particularly when they depict violence, sexual content, or other potentially harmful scenarios
  • The use of these technologies for surveillance, manipulation, or deception purposes (propaganda, advertising, political campaigns) raises serious ethical issues and requires strong safeguards against misuse
  • Fostering , critical thinking, and ethical frameworks is crucial to help individuals navigate the complex social and moral implications of virtual and augmented experiences

Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion

  • The accessibility and affordability of emerging visual technologies is a key concern, as unequal access could exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities and create new forms of digital divide
  • The development and deployment of these technologies should prioritize diversity, inclusion, and representation to ensure that they reflect and serve the needs of all individuals and communities, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, or socioeconomic status
  • Ensuring equal access to these technologies and promoting diverse perspectives in their development can help mitigate potential biases and discrimination

Privacy and Security

  • The collection and use of personal data by VR and AR systems (biometric information, location data, user behavior) poses significant privacy risks and requires robust security measures and transparent data practices
  • Developing secure data storage and transmission protocols, as well as clear privacy policies and user consent mechanisms, is essential to protect users' personal information
  • Balancing the benefits of personalization and user experience with the need for privacy and security will be an ongoing challenge as these technologies evolve

Impact of Emerging Technologies on Visual Media

Transformation of Media Landscape

  • New forms of content creation, distribution, and consumption (, , virtual events)
  • Convergence of VR, AR, and other technologies with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision enables more personalized, responsive, and intelligent media experiences that adapt to individual users' preferences and contexts
  • Rise of and participatory media blurs the lines between creators and consumers, leading to new models of collaboration, co-creation, and shared authorship

Empathy, Perspective-taking, and Social Connection

  • Immersive and embodied nature of VR and AR experiences may lead to new forms of , , and
  • Potential to foster greater understanding and compassion by allowing users to experience different perspectives and situations firsthand
  • Raises questions about the authenticity and accountability of virtual interactions and relationships

Education and Training

  • Adoption of emerging visual technologies in education and training requires new pedagogical approaches, assessment methods, and ethical guidelines to ensure effective and responsible use for learning and skills development
  • Immersive technologies can provide engaging, opportunities and simulate real-world scenarios for practice and assessment
  • Need to consider issues of access, equity, and student privacy when implementing these technologies in educational settings
  • Economic and business models for visual media and communication will likely evolve in response to these technologies, with new opportunities for monetization, advertising, and
  • Challenges related to piracy, plagiarism, and fair use may arise as the boundaries between physical and virtual spaces become more porous
  • Need for new legal frameworks, governance structures, and social norms to regulate behavior, protect rights, and ensure safety and security in immersive environments

Key Terms to Review (21)

3D capture technologies: 3D capture technologies are methods and tools used to digitally record and represent the physical world in three dimensions. These technologies play a crucial role in fields like visual media, allowing for the creation of accurate and detailed digital models of objects, environments, and even human figures. The advancement of these technologies has revolutionized how visual content is created, manipulated, and shared across various industries such as film, gaming, and virtual reality.
Architectural visualization: Architectural visualization is the process of creating visual representations of architectural designs using digital tools. This practice allows architects, designers, and clients to visualize the proposed spaces and structures before they are built, enhancing communication and decision-making. By utilizing 3D modeling, rendering, and animation techniques, architectural visualization bridges the gap between conceptual designs and real-world construction.
Augmented reality: Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information, such as images, sounds, and text, onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of their environment. This blend of physical and digital worlds allows for interactive experiences that can transform how people engage with their surroundings, making it a significant innovation in visual media.
Digital literacy: Digital literacy is the ability to effectively navigate, evaluate, and create information using digital technologies. It encompasses a range of skills that are essential for participating in today's technology-driven society, such as critical thinking, information evaluation, and content creation. As digital media evolves, so does the need for individuals to adapt and develop their skills in understanding and utilizing these emerging technologies in visual media.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which plays a crucial role in connecting with others' experiences and perspectives. It helps to foster a sense of belonging and is essential in addressing complex problems by putting oneself in another's shoes, ultimately enhancing collaboration, creativity, and communication.
Experiential learning: Experiential learning is a process through which individuals gain knowledge and skills through direct experiences and reflection. This approach emphasizes learning by doing, allowing participants to engage with the material actively rather than passively absorbing information. In visual media, this concept encourages hands-on practice and experimentation, leading to deeper understanding and creative problem-solving.
Extended Reality: Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term that encompasses immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). XR creates interactive environments where digital elements are integrated with the physical world, providing users with enhanced experiences that blend real and virtual interactions. This technology has transformative implications for various fields, particularly in how visual media can engage audiences through innovative storytelling and user interfaces.
Haptic technology: Haptic technology refers to the use of tactile feedback and sensations to enhance user interactions with digital interfaces and environments. This technology provides users with a physical sense of touch through vibrations, motions, or forces, making virtual experiences feel more real and engaging. Haptic technology is becoming increasingly important in visual media, as it adds an extra dimension to user experience, particularly in gaming, virtual reality, and simulations.
Immersive journalism: Immersive journalism is a form of storytelling that utilizes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other interactive technologies to create an engaging, first-person experience for the audience. By placing viewers in the midst of a story, it aims to evoke empathy and a deeper understanding of complex issues, blurring the lines between observer and participant. This innovative approach enhances traditional journalism by providing unique perspectives and immersive environments that can influence public perception and engagement with news stories.
Intellectual property protection: Intellectual property protection refers to the legal rights granted to creators and inventors to safeguard their original works, inventions, and ideas from unauthorized use or reproduction. This form of protection fosters innovation and creativity by ensuring that individuals can benefit from their efforts without the fear of infringement. In the realm of visual media, these protections are crucial as emerging technologies create new avenues for artistic expression and require updated frameworks to address potential challenges.
Interactive Documentaries: Interactive documentaries are a type of digital storytelling that allows viewers to engage actively with the content, making choices that influence the narrative and their experience. This format blends traditional documentary filmmaking with interactive technology, creating immersive experiences that can include multimedia elements like videos, images, audio, and interactive interfaces. By fostering audience participation, interactive documentaries enhance the way stories are told and experienced in the realm of visual media.
Interactive learning experiences: Interactive learning experiences refer to educational activities that engage learners actively in the learning process, encouraging them to participate, explore, and collaborate rather than passively absorb information. These experiences often utilize technology and innovative methods to create dynamic environments where users can manipulate content and receive immediate feedback, making learning more engaging and effective.
Medical visualization: Medical visualization is the process of creating visual representations of medical data, such as images from MRI, CT scans, or X-rays, to assist in diagnosing and understanding medical conditions. It uses advanced imaging technologies and software to produce detailed and accurate depictions that help healthcare professionals in treatment planning and communication. This technology plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes by providing clear insights into complex medical information.
Mixed reality: Mixed reality is a cutting-edge technology that merges the real world with virtual elements, allowing users to interact with both simultaneously. This fusion creates a more immersive experience than augmented reality alone, as it integrates real and virtual objects in a seamless environment. Mixed reality leverages advanced technologies such as computer vision, depth tracking, and spatial mapping to enhance how we perceive and engage with our surroundings.
Perspective-taking: Perspective-taking is the cognitive ability to understand and consider another person's viewpoint or feelings. This skill is essential for effective communication and empathy, allowing individuals to relate to others and engage in meaningful interactions. In the realm of visual media, perspective-taking can enhance storytelling by enabling creators to depict narratives from various angles, making the content more relatable and impactful.
Remote surgery: Remote surgery is a surgical procedure performed by a surgeon who is not physically present at the site of the patient, using advanced technology to manipulate surgical instruments from a distance. This technique combines robotics, telecommunications, and visual media to enable surgeons to operate on patients in different locations, significantly enhancing access to specialized medical care. As technology continues to evolve, remote surgery has the potential to transform the landscape of healthcare by improving surgical outcomes and accessibility for patients in underserved areas.
Social Connection: Social connection refers to the relationships and interactions that people have with one another, fostering a sense of belonging and community. In the context of emerging technologies in visual media, social connection highlights how these tools can enhance communication, collaboration, and emotional bonds among individuals across diverse platforms and formats. This interaction can lead to richer experiences and greater engagement in both personal and professional realms.
User-generated content: User-generated content (UGC) refers to any form of content, such as text, images, videos, and audio, that is created and shared by users or consumers rather than by a brand or organization. This phenomenon has been greatly amplified by the rise of social media and emerging technologies, allowing individuals to contribute their perspectives and creativity directly to platforms that showcase visual media.
Virtual reality: Virtual reality is an immersive technology that simulates a computer-generated environment, allowing users to interact with 3D spaces and objects as if they were real. This technology creates a sense of presence and reality through the use of headsets, gloves, and other sensory devices, enabling users to experience digital worlds in a way that feels physically engaging. Virtual reality connects to various fields by enhancing cultural expression, transforming video production techniques, and driving innovation in visual media.
Virtual Therapy: Virtual therapy is a form of mental health treatment that utilizes digital platforms to deliver therapeutic services remotely. It includes various methods such as video conferencing, chat, or even mobile applications, making mental health support more accessible to individuals regardless of their geographical location. This approach allows therapists and clients to interact in real-time, enabling the continuation of care even when in-person sessions aren't possible.
Volumetric video: Volumetric video is a cutting-edge technology that captures three-dimensional space and movement, allowing viewers to experience scenes from any angle. This immersive format blends aspects of traditional video with 3D modeling, resulting in rich and interactive visual experiences. By utilizing depth sensors and multiple cameras, volumetric video creates lifelike representations that can be viewed on various devices, making it a significant advancement in visual media.
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