The Design and Evaluation of a Conference Exhibit in the Metaverse

Abstract

Restrictions brought about by the pandemic have compelled numerous institutions to hold the usual face-to-face conferences online. Such is the case with the biennial National Conference for Open and Distance eLearning (NCODeL) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), held last November 23-25, 2022. The university developed its user portal and utilized Zoom as the video conferencing software. Online conferences, like any mode of interaction, come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks. One significant advantage is the potential for utilizing virtual environments, in our case, using FrameVR as the metaverse exhibit platform. This web-based immersive collaborative space greatly contributed to the virtual experience of participants. However, it is important to note a major drawback, which is the non-provision of in-person interactions. This paper delves into the experiences of the participants that visited the exhibit, considering factors such as enjoyment, interest, ease of use, and the sense of presence, gathered through a comprehensive online survey.