Exploring Experiential Differences Between Virtual and Physical Memory-Linked Objects in Extended Reality

Why Read This from an HCI Perspective

This article shows that in XR memory experiences, the social meaning can change dramatically depending not on what is stored, but on how people are brought back to it through the interface. From an HCI/UX perspective, it’s possible to read the trade-offs among intimacy, conversation facilitation, and usability by comparing the qualitative differences between physical and virtual objects and a gallery-style UI. It also offers direct implications for next-generation memory sharing, nostalgia-style AI, and social XR design.

CIT's Commentary

From a CIT perspective, the key insight of this study is that ‘physicality’ is not necessarily confined to physical materials. Physical blocks strongly strengthened social connection through the act of exchange itself, but the study also demonstrates that virtual blocks can reproduce a substantial portion of emotional and relational value if their symbolism and sense of manipulation are well designed. In other words, the design dimensions of an XR memory system should shift from storage accuracy toward the rituality of interaction, the sense of mediation, and the feeling of sharing. However, because the sample is a small paired study based on Jenga, results may vary depending on the type of memory, the strength of the relationship, and access frequency in real family archives or long-term usage contexts. Therefore, CIT interprets these findings not as a ‘physical vs. virtual’ win-or-lose outcome, but as a question of choosing the interaction layer that designs social memory.

Questions to Consider While Reading

• Q.If virtual blocks can replace a substantial portion of the social effects of physical blocks, which factor is the true driver of those effects: the sense of manipulation, the symbolism, or the exchange procedure itself?
• Q.Will the same pattern appear across other types of memories—such as family photos, travel logs, and co-created works?
• Q.In long-term usage contexts, how should we best balance the maintenance cost of physical objects with the emotional persistence of virtual objects?