Impact of Translation and Viewpoint Transition Methods in VR on Spatial Learning and Cybersickness

TL;DR

This study evaluates how different translation and viewpoint transition methods in VR affect spatial learning, cybersickness, and user experience, providing insights for designing better virtual locomotion techniques.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive evaluation of controller-based virtual locomotion techniques in indoor VR environments, addressing a research gap.

Findings

Trade-offs between spatial knowledge and cybersickness identified

Effectiveness of VLTs varies with interaction fidelity

Design implications for VR interfaces derived

Abstract

Virtual locomotion technique (VLT) is a fundamental component of virtual reality (VR) systems that translates physical and controller inputs into virtual translational movements and viewpoint transitions. Poorly designed VLTs can result in discomfort, nausea, and reductions in task performance. Understanding the effectiveness of VLTs across various levels of interaction fidelity is crucial to enhance user experience and spatial awareness. The current study addressed a significant gap in VR design research and practice, as few previous efforts have been made to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of controller-based VLTs in virtual indoor environments. We conducted a user study in which participants navigated through two complex virtual environments, one focusing on exploratory tasks and the other on goal-oriented navigation. The findings offer insights into the trade-offs among spatial knowledge acquisition, wayfinding performance, cybersickness, and sense of presence, and have design implications for future VR interfaces.