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

To address the need for high-complexity low-cost interaction methods for mobile VR, we present a Cardboard Controller, supporting 6-degree-of-freedom target selection while being made of low-cost, highly accessible materials. We present two studies, one evaluating selection activation methods, and the other comparing performance and user experience of the Cardboard Controller using ray-casting and the virtual hand. Our Cardboard Controller has comparable throughput and task completion time to similar 3D input devices and can effectively support pointing and grabbing interactions, particularly when objects are within reach. We propose guidelines for designing low-cost interaction methods and input devices for mobile VR to encourage future research towards the democratization of VR.