Comparing Immersive and Non-Immersive VR: Effects on Spatial Learning and Aesthetic Experience in Museum Settings

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Science
• Digital Heritage

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) adoption in design is increasing globally.
• The cognitive benefits and effectiveness of VR technologies require further investigation.
• Understanding VR's impact is crucial for validating its use in various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of head-mounted display (HMD) and non-immersive VR museum environments on learning and user experience.
• To compare user perception of immersion, pleasantness, and willingness to repeat experiences between HMD and non-immersive VR.

Main Methods:

• 87 college students were randomly assigned to either HMD or non-immersive VR museum settings.
• Participants completed questionnaires on immersion, pleasantness, and future engagement.
• Data collected to assess the impact of VR modality on user experience.

Main Results:

• The HMD VR setting demonstrated a significantly higher sense of immersion.
• Participants reported greater pleasantness and willingness to repeat the experience in the HMD condition.
• HMD VR appears to offer a more engaging virtual museum experience.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest HMD-based VR enhances user engagement in virtual museum environments.
• This technology can foster greater appreciation for cultural heritage.
• VR, particularly HMDs, holds potential for promoting cultural heritage preservation.