The Role of Avatar Creation and Embodied Presence in Virtual Reality Job Interviews

Sammanfattning: In this work, a prototype of a job interview training application in virtual reality is evaluated. This paper explores the factors affecting the usability and embodiment of an avatar and how they related to job interviews in a virtual reality setting. A between-group study was conducted (n=15) to measure the effect on the embodiment of an avatar that creating and customizing an avatar had compared to picking from pre-defined ones. Participants had to undergo a job interview in virtual reality with their avatars. A mixed-method approach was followed with data collection using both post-experiment questionnaires and recorded semi-structured interviews. No significant results could be established between the avatar selection process and the embodiment towards the avatar. The thematic analysis of the interview data and the quantitative data analysis resulted in design guidelines for future job interview training applications. Critical aspects of the design guidelines outline the need to promote and enable users to use hand gestures, allow basic customization of their avatars, and put special attention to the design and behavioral fidelity of the interviewer.