Designing for Wayfinding in VR: Linking Navigation Interfaces to Spatial Learning and Cognitive Mapping

Area of Science:

• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• VR navigation research employs diverse locomotion and transition techniques.
• Systematic examination of these techniques' impact on spatial learning and performance in complex indoor settings is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the effects of different virtual reality locomotion and visual transition techniques on spatial learning, cognitive map formation, and navigational performance.
• To provide empirical insights and guidelines for improving VR-based wayfinding research.

Main Methods:

• A between-subjects study with 142 participants in two high-fidelity VR hospital environments.
• Experimental factors included locomotion techniques and viewpoint transitions during free exploration and task-based wayfinding.
• Measures included spatial learning (pointing, distance estimation, sketch-map accuracy), performance (completion time, distance traveled), and user experience (cybersickness, presence, usability).

Main Results:

• Locomotion techniques significantly influenced task completion time, with teleportation yielding faster performance in task-based wayfinding.
• Spatial learning outcomes were mixed, suggesting that locomotion techniques without viewpoint transitions might better support cognitive map development.
• User experience metrics like cybersickness and perceived presence were also analyzed.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality locomotion and transition techniques have differential effects on navigational performance and spatial learning in complex virtual environments.
• Techniques minimizing visual disruption may enhance cognitive mapping abilities in VR.
• Findings offer practical guidelines for designing more effective VR navigation systems and research methodologies.