\"MyEyes\": The Design and Evaluation of First Person View Video Streaming for Long-Distance Couples

Couples in Long Distance Relationships (LDRs) often rely on the use of video chat systems to help maintain their relationship. However, designs are typically limited to only supporting face-to-face conversations or providing narrow fields of view. We designed and evaluated MyEyes, a First Person View (FPV) video streaming technology probe made with cardboard goggles and a smartphone. Distance-separated partners see each other's view on their screen where it can overlap their own view (Overlapped), be placed above it (Horizontal), or presented at the same time where each is seen with a different eye (Split). We compared the three different views with couples to explore the effect on social presence and body ownership. The Overlapped View was most preferred by couples and it provided the strongest feeling of co-presence, whereas a Horizontal View provided the greatest sense of mutual understanding. Our qualitative results showed couples valued performing synchronized acts together and doing activities \"in\" the remote location.