As Bolter & Grusin (1999, p. 21) state: “Virtual reality is immersive, which means that it is a medium whose purpose is to disappear”. The virtual Armenian genocide museum/memorial Tsitsernakaberd wouldn’t be labeled a ‘virtual reality’ experience by most, because its graphics are relatively jagged and controlling it requires a mouse and a keyboard, but it is a mediation that aspires to at least some degree of immersion. It can be called a “desktop virtual reality” (Bolter & Grusin, 1999, p. 48) application, because it aims to inspire in the visitor “[…] a feeling of presence” (ibid.) – of psychological closeness. Differently put: the interface of the virtual museum is such that its goal is to be ‘transparent’ – to seem to disappear altogether.

See also our other post: Immediacy, hypermediacy, and remediation.

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