Design guidelines for limiting and eliminating virtual reality-induced symptoms and effects at work: a comprehensive,...

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Occupational Health
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) use is increasing in professional environments.
• VR can induce adverse effects, termed virtual reality-induced symptoms and effects (VRISE).
• Understanding VRISE factors is crucial for safe VR implementation in the workplace.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing VRISE, particularly in office work contexts.
• To develop evidence-based guidelines for mitigating VRISE.
• To inform virtual environment creators and users on best practices for VR use.

Main Methods:

• Literature review to identify VRISE-influencing factors.
• Categorization of factors into individual, hardware, and software.
• Grading of recommended guidelines by level of evidence.

Main Results:

• Identification of over 90 factors potentially influencing VRISE frequency and severity.
• Focus on five key VRISE risks and their short-term effects.
• Development of specific guidelines for VRISE amelioration, including recommended immersion times (20-30 min) and breaks.

Conclusions:

• VR use in offices requires careful management to minimize VRISE.
• Guidelines address individual, hardware, and software factors for risk reduction.
• Ongoing monitoring of worker health and safety is essential despite current limitations in fully alleviating VRISE.