Shifting Places: Envisioning Rock Climbing and Dynamic Movement in Mixed Reality

Abstract

Climbing is a complex and extreme sport. It is a battle of will, endurance, and strength to perform greats by defying gravity. The success of completing a climb encompasses struggles and many falls. Climbers will train constantly in order to climb to the top. A method of training for rock climbing often occurs through visualization of mental models. Climbers use mental models to define the hardest sections and places to strategically rest. This type of training is crucial to rapidly strategize solutions for competitions or for off-site practice. Mental models are an effective way to infer spatial relationships between recognizable landmarks such as holds. However, mental models lack complete accuracy. Mixed reality has the potential to support visualization training by bridging the gap between the mental model and the actual route. The combination of a physical mechanical wall and a digital overlay of a climbing route offers to bring mental models to a tangible space. This thesis envisions how rock climbing could utilize mixed reality to provide an experience that mimics the reality of climbing. Its intent is to support visualization training for climbers.