Valentin Schwind

University of Stuttgart, University of Regensburg

Papers

Total Citations

275

H-Index

About

Valentin Schwind is a leading researcher in human-computer interaction and virtual reality, whose work fundamentally explores how users perceive and connect with digital bodies and environments. His primary research areas include virtual embodiment, the uncanny valley effect, and the psychological factors that shape presence in VR. Schwind’s most influential contribution is his investigation into how rendering a user’s own hands in virtual reality dramatically increases immersion and the sense of “being there.” His seminal paper, “These are not my hands!” (2017), has garnered 207 citations, establishing a foundational understanding of body ownership illusions in VR. He has also made significant strides in quantifying the uncanny valley, notably through his 2017 study on virtual animals, which received 66 citations and extended this classic theory beyond humanoid robots. Additionally, Schwind’s translation of Masahiro Mori’s original uncanny valley essay into German (2019) demonstrates his commitment to preserving and disseminating foundational knowledge. Through his rigorous, user-centered research, Schwind has provided critical insights for designing more believable and comfortable virtual experiences, directly impacting the development of immersive VR applications and avatars.