Editable Body : Interactive Adaptation of Avatar Control Schemes and Body Structures

In VR, users can switch between avatars with different structures and control schemes. Previous research on body perception has shown that users quickly adapt to controlling new bodies, a process known as body schema learning. However, there is a lack of studies and games that support real-time, user-driven body modifications. To address this gap, we present Mechanical Brain Hacking, a VR game based on the concept of the "Editable Body," which enables users to modify the structure and control scheme of their avatars in real time. We investigated the user experience of this interactive body modification system and explored its effect on users’ perceptions of their own bodies and attitudes toward body modification technologies. Our findings indicate that this system leads to greater acceptance of identity expression through non-innate bodies, encourages users to view the body as more fluid and adaptable, and increases openness to body modification technologies.