AI: Summary
This was the first meeting of 2025, focused on planning the year ahead for the Future of Text project, particularly regarding authoring in XR. The meeting introduced new participants and discussed key themes including workspace design, the relationship between reading and writing in XR, and the importance of thinking natively in 3D rather than just translating 2D concepts. There was significant discussion about the nature of VR versus AR environments, the importance of adaptable spaces, and how to approach document handling in XR. The meeting also covered upcoming scheduled talks and administrative matters.
Dene Grigar, Frode Hegland, Fabien Benetou, Brandel Zachernuk, Mark Anderson, Rob Swigart, Elijah Schwirian, Chris Gebhardt, Abhirami Ajith Kumar, Leon van Kammen
AI: Speaker Summary
Dene Grigar emphasized the importance of thinking natively in 3D rather than converting 2D concepts, drawing from her teaching experience and recent interactions with VR fitness apps. She expressed concern about unnecessary distractions in VR environments and stressed the need for focused spaces. She also discussed the importance of organizational matters and upcoming presentations.
Frode Hegland focused on the structure of the meeting and future planning. He emphasized the importance of documentation and regular meetings, discussing the transition between different types of spaces in XR and the need to balance different modes of interaction.
Fabien Benetou shared experiences with physical tools and their digital counterparts, emphasizing the importance of user empowerment in shaping their environment. He expressed concerns about notification systems in VR and the importance of maintaining immersion.
Brandel Zachernuk discussed his experiences with reading and responding to text in VR, particularly regarding performance capture and object interaction. He provided insights about the differences between AR and VR spaces.
Mark Anderson emphasized the need to move beyond legacy terminology and thinking, suggesting new approaches to metadata and knowledge organization in XR environments.
Rob Swigart expressed interest in storytelling possibilities in VR, mentioning his conversation with Bill Atkinson about creating a VR version of HyperCard.
Elijah Schwirian contributed thoughts about 3D writing systems and expressed concerns about corporate influence in AR environments.
Chris Gebhardt briefly introduced himself and mentioned his work on distributed systems and AI integration.
Abhirami Ajith Kumar introduced herself as a PhD scholar studying experimental fiction and emphasized the importance of adaptability in workspaces.
Leon van Kammen had minimal verbal participation but was present in the meeting.
AI: Topics Discussed
WebXR:
Fabien Benetou explained that WebXR technology allows for compatibility between VR and AR development, though some interactions need to be reconsidered for each context
Gestures:
Brandel Zachernuk discussed using gestures for object interaction and performance capture
The importance of body movement in learning and interaction was emphasized by multiple participants
Sloan:
The grant was mentioned in context of requiring free distribution of materials
The current year focuses on authoring rather than reading
The grant was described as a production grant rather than research grant
Book:
Discussion of making the book available on Amazon for $20 to cover costs
Mention of free download availability on Internet Archive
Bob Horn’s book was discussed in context of upcoming presentation
visionOS/Vision Pro:
Brandel mentioned his role in web standards at Apple for spatial computing
Other topics:
Library organization in XR
Workspace adaptability
Notification management in VR
The relationship between reading and writing
The importance of metadata
The role of serendipity in digital spaces
AI: Concepts Introduced
AR vs VR distinction (Brandel Zachernuk): AR is for augmenting existing spaces, VR is better for creating new spaces
Adaptable Workspace (Abhirami Ajith Kumar): A space that can be individualized and fluid, addressing specific work needs while maintaining holistic functionality
WikiXR (Frode Hegland): Concept mentioned but not fully defined, appeared to relate to spatial organization of wiki-style content
AI: Agreements & Disagreements
Agreements:
- General agreement on the importance of thinking natively in 3D
- Agreement on the need for both focused and adaptable spaces
- Agreement on the value of physical movement in learning
Disagreements:
- Subtle tension between those who wanted to maintain traditional document concepts and those pushing for completely new paradigms
- Different views on the extent to which AR vs VR should be emphasized
AI: Other
The meeting showed a strong emphasis on welcoming new participants and maintaining an open, collaborative atmosphere. There was a notable balance between practical planning and theoretical discussion about the future of text in XR environments.
Chat Log URLs:
https://futuretextlab.info/starting-conditions-for-year-2/
https://futuretextlab.info/2025-schedule/
https://codepen.io/zachernuk/full/GRKWjQE
https://www.vrin.fr
https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/plane-demo-ad1282ac3fd14379bc20cb60985a5aff
Chat Log Summary:
The chat included sharing of relevant links, technical discussions, and parallel conversations that complemented the main discussion. Participants shared resources, expressed reactions to ideas, and engaged in side discussions about specific topics. There was particular engagement around the ideas of 3D text, notifications in VR, and the role of physical spaces in virtual environments.
Important Additional Context:
The meeting represented a significant shift in the project’s focus from reading to authoring in XR, while maintaining awareness that these activities are inherently connected. The discussion revealed a tension between maintaining familiar paradigms and pushing towards entirely new ways of thinking about text and interaction in spatial computing.