Toward More Intuitive VR Locomotion Techniques: How Locomotion Metaphors Shape Users' Mental Models

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality (VR) Interfaces
• User Experience (UX) Design

Background:

• Interface metaphors aim to enhance user interaction intuitiveness by leveraging existing knowledge.
• Metaphors are crucial for developing effective virtual reality (VR) locomotion interfaces.
• Designing intuitive metaphoric interfaces requires understanding user adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how common VR locomotion metaphors (Walking, Steering, Flying, Teleportation) influence user interaction.
• To investigate the impact of perceived affordances and user background on VR locomotion expectations.
• To understand users' mental models of VR locomotion metaphors for improved interface design.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative online study was conducted.
• Observed user interaction with four typical VR locomotion metaphors.
• Analyzed the influence of perceived affordances and user demographics (age, education, gender).

Main Results:

• Users adjusted their expectations of the VR locomotion interface to match perceived affordances, rather than altering their understanding of the metaphor.
• User background factors, including age, education, and gender, significantly influenced expectations for VR locomotion interfaces.
• The study identified a gap between metaphor-induced expectations and actual interface behavior.

Conclusions:

• Users' adaptation of expectations to perceived affordances is key to understanding VR locomotion metaphor effectiveness.
• User background is a critical factor in shaping mental models of VR locomotion interfaces.
• Findings are essential for designing more intuitive and user-centered VR locomotion systems.