Mind Tricks for Presence

The primary objective is to provide game developers and designers with a theoretical framework for achieving optimal user presence in virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) environments. By synthesizing concepts from grounded cognition and activity theory, the analysis posits that human cognition functions as a generative model that relies on grounded simulations—internalized mental representations based on real-world experiences. The central thesis is that presence is achieved through synchronized reality, where the user’s internal mental simulations align seamlessly with the external environment, whether physical or virtual.

The analysis highlights that human cognition is fundamentally driven by the need to minimize prediction errors, or surprises, when interacting with the world. Effective interface design should therefore leverage existing mental structures by ensuring that virtual tools and interactions are predictable and grounded in familiar physical behaviors. The research emphasizes that developers should prioritize user expectations, as these expectations dictate how new information is processed and internalized. By designing systems that align with established real-world skills, developers can reduce cognitive load and enhance the sense of presence.

To illustrate these principles, the analysis examines two commercial VR applications, Tilt Brush and PaintLab. These case studies demonstrate how interface elements, such as brush and palette interactions, can either support or hinder presence depending on their congruence with real-world analogies. The findings suggest that while abstract interfaces can be functional, they may introduce unnecessary complexity that disrupts the user's mental simulation. The research concludes that by adopting a reductive, grounded approach—such as utilizing proximity-based interactions or more intuitive, object-oriented tools—designers can create more immersive and accessible experiences that better accommodate the natural cognitive processes of the user.