Rewiring Perceived Doability in VR: Hand Redirection as a Subtle Cross-Sensory Support for Sustained Practice

TL;DR

This paper explores how subtle hand redirection in VR can enhance perceived doability, encouraging sustained practice through micro-success experiences while considering autonomy and authenticity.

Contribution

It reframes VR hand redirection as a cross-sensory support mechanism to improve sustained practice and introduces initial prototype and research questions.

Findings

Proposed VR hand redirection can create micro-success experiences.

Identified design tensions between support and authenticity.

Outlined a research plan for evaluating perceived doability.

Abstract

In everyday life, physical effort is often minimized and convenience is prioritized, making it difficult for many people to sustain light exercise and stretching despite well-known long-term benefits. This challenge often arises not from objective movement limitations, but from whether an action feels doable in the moment and, therefore worth continuing. This position paper argues that subtle VR hand redirection (HR) can be reframed as a form of cross-sensory support for sustained practice by targeting perceived doability: a moment-to-moment cognitive appraisal that an action is within one's capability while requiring manageable effort. We propose that conservative HR, applied within known perceptual limits, can create repeated micro-success experiences (e.g., reaching a virtual goal earlier with similar physical movement). These micro-successes may increase continuation intention and early re-engagement without relying on overt pressure or intensive coaching. At the same time, such support raises questions about autonomy and authenticity. We therefore articulate two research questions: (RQ1) how HR shifts perceived doability to support sustained practice and positive behavior change; and (RQ2) when HR functions as acceptable support versus becoming counterproductive by undermining authenticity, agency, trust, or fostering dependence. We present an initial sit-and-reach VR prototype, outline a research plan, and identify key design tensions to spark community discussions on autonomy-preserving cross-sensory futures in HCI.