Reflecting on 25+ Years of Immersive Public Experiences

This keynote talk from IEEE VR 2025 features Maria Roussou, Associate Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, reflecting on over 25 years of immersive public experiences. Explore how immersive VR technologies have evolved from specialized research tools to widely accessible platforms for public engagement. Discover insights on what elements of VR experiences remain impactful after the initial novelty fades, and whether VR can maintain long-term engagement comparable to other pervasive technologies like mobile devices. Drawing from more than two decades of VR implementation in educational and cultural contexts, the presentation offers thoughtful analysis on factors contributing to the sustained appeal and effectiveness of immersive VR in non-commercial settings. The 23-minute talk provides valuable perspective for anyone interested in the evolution and future potential of virtual reality in public spaces.