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Analysis of Spatiotemporal Features in a Virtual Navigation Game Across Different Age Groups: Quantitative Research
Xiaofeng Qiao1,2,3,4, Shan Tian1,2,3,4, Min Tang1,2,3,4
1School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, 5 Building in Beihang University, 37 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, China, 86 1082339861.
JMIR Serious Games
|April 2, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality navigation games effectively assess cognitive abilities and reveal age-specific wayfinding patterns influenced by urban environments. This technology aids in cognitive assessment and designing age-friendly cities.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Urban Planning
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Urbanization leads to complex environments, increasing navigation difficulties, especially for older adults.
- Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers immersive platforms for studying navigation and cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a VR navigation game for assessing cognitive abilities via navigation behavior.
- To quantitatively analyze how environmental configurations affect navigation patterns across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Developed a VR goal-directed navigation game for younger and older adults.
- Utilized k-means clustering for navigation behavior analysis and space syntax for environmental metrics.
- Correlated navigation performance with cognitive test scores and environmental experienced metrics.
Main Results:
- Navigation efficiency significantly correlated with cognitive abilities (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Trail Making Test A, Mental Rotation Test).
- Experienced axial integration (EAI) and experienced visual integration (EVI) showed age-related differences.
- Age-specific correlations were found between navigation efficiency and experienced metrics (EAI/EVI).
Conclusions:
- K-means clustering effectively extracts behavioral indicators for cognitive assessment.
- Space syntax analysis reveals age-related navigation patterns shaped by spatial configuration.
- Findings support VR for cognitive assessment, rehabilitation, and designing age-friendly urban environments.
