Regenerating a Memory Place in the Virtual World: Taşkışla

The use of immersive technologies has opened up new possibilities in virtual environments. Digital technologies have made it possible to recreate a place in the virtual world in attractive ways. Its uniqueness and technological performance may measure the success of a virtual space. However, it is unclear if the same perspective applies to memory places. On the other hand, for places or buildings that hold dear memories for people, the perception is much deeper and expectations about the virtual space are much higher. This study explores how users perceive virtual memory spaces in terms of user experience (UX) and sense of presence. The study encompasses memory space, presence, and UX in physical and virtual environments. A virtual memory space experienced by former users of the physical space was used as a case study. User experiences were evaluated through a survey that included UX and presence questionnaires. Findings indicate that virtual space is expected to prioritize closeness to reality and some details related to memories over advanced digital techniques. The experience of virtual memory places depicts an integrated perception linked to the current moment and recalling past physical experiences. It has been revealed that physical user experiences may be the starting point in creating a virtual memory space, rather than treating it as the result, of future impact.