Discrete Virtual Rotation in Pointing Versus Leaning-Directed Steering Interfaces: A Uni Versus Bimanual Perspective

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality
• Usability Engineering

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) navigation often induces cybersickness.
• Steering interfaces aim to mimic real-world movement but can cause discomfort.
• Integrating orientation selection is explored to enhance VR navigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate Orientation Selection into steering interfaces for VR.
• To mitigate cybersickness and improve user experience in VR navigation.
• To compare bimanual and unimanual interaction methods for VR steering.

Main Methods:

• Developed bimanual and unimanual (Leaning interface/Human-Joystick) interaction techniques.
• Conducted an empirical study using a primed search task.
• Recruited participants with varied gaming experience and balanced gender distribution.

Main Results:

• Users showed no significant difficulties with the bimanual, asymmetric interfaces.
• Orientation Selection performance matched or exceeded Snap Rotation.
• Pointing-Directed Steering indicated better usability and lower task load than embodied interfaces.

Conclusions:

• Bimanual and unimanual steering interfaces are viable for VR navigation.
• Orientation Selection is an effective technique for VR movement.
• Pointing-Directed Steering presents a promising alternative for VR interaction.