3D Electronic Institutions: Social Interfaces for E-Commerce

In this paper we propose the use of Virtual Worlds as a 3D social interface for Electronic Institutions. It is shown how the two metaphors, Virtual Worlds and Electronic Institutions are combined into a single metaphor, 3D Electronic Institutions, while retaining the features and advantages of both. Its essence is to open Electronic Institutions to human users. The strong methodology and powerful tools provided with Electronic Institutions create the possibility of semiautomatic generation of 3D social interfaces. Using E-Commerce as the application domain for the new metaphor, important cues such as social interactions, establishment of long term contacts, enhanced product observation and other real world attributes that are missing from current on-line Web-based business environments can be introduced.