The Virtual Reality Journal, published by Springer Nature, announces a call for papers to appear in a special edition that will focus on the transformative impact of Extended Reality (XR), encompassing Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality, on real-world applications and end-user development.

https://link.springer.com/journal/10055/updates/27263798

================ GUEST EDITORS ================ 

Please direct questions to: andrea.bellucci@uc3m.es

We invite submissions of original and mature research papers that explore the potential of Extended Reality (XR) technology in various real-world applications, such as medical training simulations, immersive data visualization, and remote collaboration. This special issue aims to showcase cutting-edge XR applications and to provide empirical evidence supporting their effectiveness in solving real-life tasks. Additionally, we seek contributions that address the open challenges in enabling end users—be they developers, domain experts, or regular users—to create, program, and tailor XR experiences to their specific goals, interests, needs, and abilities. 

We are particularly interested in rigorous studies that demonstrate the benefits of XR in practical scenarios, alongside innovative applications, tools, approaches, and interfaces that streamline XR development or prototyping,  all supported by thorough evaluation. For example, involving the different stakeholders in the configuration, adaptation, and management of the environment. The integration of technologies such as Machine Learning, LLMs and Virtual Agents with XR are expected to be significant emerging themes.

The special issue aims to highlight the transition of XR technology from theoretical concepts to practical, impactful applications, emphasizing the significance of end-user development.

================ IMPORTANT DATES ================

- Submission open: October 1st, 2024

- Paper submission deadline: January 31st, 2025 

- Anticipated first decision: 2-3 months after submission

Earlier submissions are encouraged. Papers will be published as soon as they are accepted.

================ PUBLISHING MODEL ================

Virtual Reality is a fully open-access (OA) journal. All articles will be freely available to readers worldwide, ensuring the widest possible dissemination and reuse. Transforming Virtual Reality to a full OA demonstrates Springer Nature commitment to open research, providing researchers with OA publication venues that enhance their visibility and comply with funder and institutional requirements. See the FAQs for more information: https://link.springer.com/journal/10055/updates/25856886

================ SUBMISSION GUIDELINES ================

Authors should prepare their manuscript in line with the Virtual Reality Guide to Authors available at https://link.springer.com/journal/10055/submission-guidelines.

Authors should submit through the online submission site at https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/10055/3 and select “Prototyping and Developing Real-World Applications for Extended Reality" when they reach the “Article Type” step in the submission process. Submitted papers should present original, unpublished work, relevant to the topics of the special issue. 

All submitted papers will be evaluated on the basis of relevance, significance of contribution, technical quality, scholarship, and quality of presentation, by at least three independent reviewers. It is the policy of the journal that no submission, or substantially overlapping submission, be published or be under review at another journal or conference at any time during the review process. Final decisions on all papers are made by the Editor in Chief.