Cardboard Controller: A Cost-Effective Method to Support Complex Interactions in Mobile VR

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality Technology
• Accessible Design

Background:

• Mobile virtual reality (VR) requires advanced, affordable interaction methods.
• Existing 3D input devices can be costly and complex.
• There is a need for democratizing VR accessibility through low-cost solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a low-cost, 6-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) interaction device for mobile VR.
• To evaluate selection activation methods and compare user experience with existing techniques.
• To provide design guidelines for accessible mobile VR input devices.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Cardboard Controller using accessible materials.
• Two studies were conducted: one on selection activation, another comparing ray-casting and virtual hand interactions.
• Performance metrics included throughput and task completion time.

Main Results:

• The Cardboard Controller supports 6DoF target selection effectively.
• Performance was comparable to other 3D input devices regarding throughput and task completion.
• The device demonstrated efficacy in pointing and grabbing interactions, especially for within-reach objects.

Conclusions:

• Low-cost, accessible materials can enable high-complexity interaction methods for mobile VR.
• The Cardboard Controller offers a viable alternative for mobile VR interaction.
• Design guidelines are proposed to foster further research in democratizing VR technology.