MolecuSense: Using Force-Feedback Gloves for Creating and Interacting with Ball-and-Stick Molecules in VR

TL;DR

MolecuSense introduces a VR molecular construction kit using force-feedback gloves, enhancing chemistry education by making molecule manipulation more tangible and digitally versatile, with positive initial user feedback.

Contribution

This work presents a novel VR-based molecular construction system with force-feedback gloves, combining tangible interaction with digital sharing capabilities for chemistry education.

Findings

VR kit is as natural as physical kits

Enables saving, exporting, sharing molecules

Positive user reception and feedback

Abstract

We contribute MolecuSense, a virtual version of a physical molecule construction kit, based on visualization in Virtual Reality (VR) and interaction with force-feedback gloves. Targeting at chemistry education, our goal is to make virtual molecule structures more tangible. Results of an initial user study indicate that the VR molecular construction kit was positively received. Compared to a physical construction kit, the VR molecular construction kit is on the same level in terms of natural interaction. Besides, it fosters the typical digital advantages though, such as saving, exporting, and sharing of molecules. Feedback from the study participants has also revealed potential future avenues for tangible molecule visualizations.