An immersive (digital) environment is an artificial, interactive, computer-created scene or "world" within which users can immerse themselves. Whereas some people use it as synonym for Virtual Reality, others define it as an environment that should surround the user naturally, like in a living room.
The definition of immersion is wide and variable, but here it is assumed to mean simply that the user feels like they are part of the simulated "universe". The success with which an immersive digital environment can actually immerse the user is dependent on many factors such as believable 3D graphics, surround sound, interactive user-input and other factors such as simplicity, functionality and potential for enjoyment. New technologies are currently under development which claim to bring realistic environmental effects to the players' environment - effects like wind, seat vibration and ambient lighting.[Source: Wikipedia]
Immersive environments is addressed in the ICT work programme 2011/12 under the following challenges/ objectives:
> Challenge 1:Pervasive and Trusted Network and Service Infrastructures
Objective ICT-2011.1.5 Networked Media and Search Systems
