Imagination: The third reality to the virtuality continuum

Both the art and science of the imagination have integral roles in defining compelling Mixed Reality (MR) experiences. In this paper we posit that the audience member´s own imagination is an essential third kind of input in defining the full virtuality continuum for MR. It is traditionally accepted that there are two experiential inputs in MR incorporating a combination of stimuli of the real world as well as from virtual artifacts (typically from computers). Using a case study of a MemoryScape Prototype for the Maitland Holocaust Museum, we explore how, in addition to reality and augmented/virtual reality, imagination artistically and scientifically serves as an important third reality to the virtuality continuum to achieve the experience designer´s intent for the audience´s perception of MR experiences.