Immersion and Classification of Extended Reality (XR) Systems

Type of course:

Digital learning, Lesson

Language:

Duration:

1 hour

Workload:

1 hour

Proficiency:

Beginner

Target:

Students, Professionals

This lesson focuses on immersion as a defining characteristic of XR systems, examining both user immersion and system immersion. Learners study how XR systems are classified into non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully immersive categories based on display technologies, hardware configurations, and levels of sensory isolation. Through concrete examples—such as desktop-based XR, projection systems, simulators, and head-mounted displays—students learn how technical design choices shape user experience, presence, and engagement. By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to compare XR systems based on immersion level and justify system selection for different application contexts.

Learning outcomes

Define immersion from both a user-experience perspective and a system-technology perspective. Distinguish between non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully immersive XR systems based on hardware, display type, and sensory isolation. Compare AR, AV, and VR implementations across different immersion levels using real-world examples.
Evaluate how system design choices (e.g., displays, tracking, controllers) influence presence, engagement, and usability.
Select and justify an appropriate XR system type for a given application context (e.g., training, education, entertainment).