What do users think about Virtual Reality relaxation applications? A mixed methods study of online user reviews using...

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality Applications
• Consumer Technology

Background:

• Virtual Reality (VR) relaxation applications are a growing non-gaming genre on digital marketplaces.
• While lab studies show VR relaxation's mental health benefits, user experiences in everyday life remain understudied.
• Published user reviews offer a valuable, naturalistic perspective on consumer VR experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze user experiences and reception of consumer-grade VR relaxation applications.
• To understand the factors influencing user satisfaction and ratings in the VR relaxation market.
• To identify key themes and issues from user-generated reviews of VR relaxation apps.

Main Methods:

• A semi-automated Natural Language Processing (NLP) technique was employed.
• 1379 user reviews and star ratings from 30 VR relaxation applications (Oculus Go, Gear VR) were analyzed.
• Topic structure and sentiment analysis were conducted on the collected reviews.

Main Results:

• Users generally hold a positive view of VR relaxation applications, citing immersion and relaxation.
• Gamification elements were appreciated by users.
• Perceived application quality significantly influenced star ratings, more so than specific features.
• Technical issues (e.g., overheating) and design elements were common criticisms.

Conclusions:

• VR relaxation applications are perceived positively for inducing immersion and relaxation.
• Application quality and technical performance are critical drivers of user satisfaction.
• Findings offer insights for designing better consumer VR relaxation experiences and future research directions.