Hands vs. Controllers: Comparing User Interactions in Virtual Reality Shopping Environments

TL;DR

This study compares hand-based and controller-based interaction methods in virtual reality shopping environments, highlighting their respective advantages and usability challenges through user testing with 40 participants.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of hand and controller interactions in VR shopping, revealing their strengths and limitations for immersive virtual experiences.

Findings

Hand-based interaction is more natural and immersive.

Controller-based interaction offers higher precision and reliability.

Usability challenges include limited haptic feedback for hand interactions.

Abstract

Virtual reality enables users to experience real-life situations in immersive environments. Interaction methods significantly shape user experience, particularly in high fidelity simulations mimicking real world tasks. This study evaluates two primary VR interaction techniques, hand based and controller based, through virtual shopping tasks in a simulated supermarket with 40 participants. Hand-based interaction was preferred for its natural, immersive qualities and alignment with real-world gestures but faced usability challenges, including limited haptic feedback and grasping inefficiencies. In contrast, controller-based interaction offered greater precision and reliability, making it more suitable for tasks requiring fine motor skills.