On Presence

As often occurs with the development of new technologies, innovative concepts of novel human experiences are mainly derived from the demonstration of ‘‘technological potentials’’. Nowadays, advanced communication applications such as tele-presence, 3D holographic experiments, immersive VR environments, large highresolution imaging displays, have all demonstrated a potential to support experiences of ‘‘presence’’. However, the application of scientific insights from basic research on human perception and cognition has not yet influenced the design of advanced software systems and presence technologies. The lack of inter-disciplinarity has often brought well-known failures of overengineered technologies which almost ignored basic understanding of how human perception, cognition, co-operation and communication work. The lack of mutual penetration among the disciplines that can contribute to a sound and robust foundation of presence is currently recognised but far from being overcome