Virtual and Augmented Reality: Theory, Methods, and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

As VR/AR technologies mature, their impact will continue to permeate every aspect of our lives. These technologies have shown themselves to be a powerful tool in creating novel methods for enhanced learning and training, providing experiences that would not otherwise be possible. Likewise, these technologies have been shown to have a transformative impact on healthcare, providing opportunities for everything from phobia treatment and surgical simulations to novel forms of physical therapy. Beyond this, VR and AR technologies have seen growing interest in the field of entertainment, providing new types of gaming experiences, enhancements to live events, and a new means of storytelling. Finally, these technologies have shown themselves to be powerful tools for boosting communication and social interaction, breaking down existing barriers of language and proximity.

This Special Issue aims to be at the forefront of this exciting journey, providing a forum for researchers to share their insights, discoveries, and creative endeavors. We encourage original submissions that explore the theoretical, methodological, and applicational landscapes of VR/AR, fostering a collaborative space for advancing this revolutionary field. In particular, articles may explore the theoretical underpinnings that guide the development of these technologies, examining questions of perception, embodiment, and human–computer interaction. Likewise, articles may explore the diverse methodologies driving innovation, from advancements in hardware and software to novel design practices and user-centered research. Finally, articles may explore the transformative potential of VR/AR in areas such as education, healthcare, training, and entertainment. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Explorations of the theoretical underpinnings that create virtual or mixed reality experiences;
• Explorations of the human side of virtual and augmented reality, including work related to perception, embodiment, and user-interface design;
• Explorations of the development of hardware and/or software solutions that create novel forms of virtual and/or augmented reality experiences;
• Applications that utilize virtual and augmented reality technologies for novel purposes.

Original work that highlights the latest research and technical development is encouraged, but review papers and comparative studies are also welcome.

Dr. Kevin Ponto
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• virtual reality
• augmented reality
• mixed reality
• applications
• methods
• embodiment
• perception
• systems
• theories