Comparing News Presentation Dimensions: From 2D to 4D

WINTER QUARTER 2025

Evolution of News Presentation Dimensions:

2D Dimension: World of Passive Viewing

  • Technical Features: Fixed media (newspapers, books) or linearly moving (radio, TV)

  • User Relationship: One-way relationship (sender → receiver)

  • Current Examples: Traditional TV news, newspaper articles, radio programs

  • Experience Limits: User must follow the form, order, and content set by the media outlet

  • Main Problems: Limited immersion, weak deep understanding, low presence levels

3D Dimension: World of Limited Interaction

  • Technical Features: Interactive digital platforms, touch interfaces, interactive moving elements

  • User Relationship: Limited two-way relationship (interaction within set boundaries)

  • Current Examples: Interactive news websites, news apps, social media platforms, interactive displays

  • Interaction Space: User interacts with content without being part of it (comments, shares, chooses)

  • Benefits: Better engagement level, partial understanding improvement, some customization options

4D Dimension: World of Immersion and Embodiment

  • Technical Features: Complete virtual simulation, digital user embodiment, responsive dynamic environment

  • User Relationship: Integrative relationship (user is part of the news system)

  • Proposed Experience:

    • User actually enters the news world as an active participant

    • Ability to move freely and change viewing angles

    • Direct interaction with news story elements (presenter, witnesses, experts, locations)

    • Possibility to make decisions that affect the news experience path

  • Unique Benefits:

    • Enhancing all six presence levels (spatial, temporal, emotional, cognitive, social, self)

    • Transforming knowledge from abstract to tangible through direct experience

    • Enabling multi-dimensional understanding of complex issues through multiple perspectives and experiences

    • Improving memory and deep comprehension through sensory and emotional immersion

Expected Effects of 4D Dimension on the News Landscape:

  1. Shift from Transmission to Participation: User moves from information receiver to experience participant

  2. Enhanced Deep Understanding: Better understanding of complex issues through direct experience

  3. Experience-Based Learning: Gaining knowledge through direct interaction instead of passive reception

  4. Increased Empathy and Awareness: Deeper understanding of others' experiences through simulation

  5. New Levels of Transparency: Users can explore different aspects of the news story

  6. News Industry Transformation: Lower field coverage costs and better journalist safety

  7. Redefined Audience-Content Relationship: Audience shifts from consumers to active participants

Future Challenges and Opportunities:

Challenges:

  • Developing fast production systems that keep up with the immediate nature of news

  • Ensuring accuracy and objectivity while allowing flexibility and interaction

  • Developing new skills for journalists and media organizations

  • Addressing ethical issues related to simulating sensitive events

Opportunities:

  • Creating a new journalism model combining the depth of investigative journalism with game participation

  • Developing an advanced educational platform for complex issues

  • Opening new markets for media organizations and diversifying income sources

  • Enhancing civic participation through deeper understanding of public issues