Navigation in desktop virtual environments: an evaluation and recommendations for supporting usability

Virtual reality (VR) can provide useful tools for a variety of applications. However, for these tools to be effective, they must be easy to use. In virtual environments (VEs), usability is impaired by poorly designed navigation systems. Insufficient realism and missing physiological orientation and motion cues impair spatial learning in desktop VEs. Capabilities for navigation in a VE are far more varied than in reality; so much greater flexibility can be offered, but designing VEs with too many options can overwhelm users. To assist designers in building effective, usable navigation systems for VEs, navigation techniques must be evaluated to identify which features actually support users in accomplishing their tasks and which features create unnecessary problems.This study evaluates navigation in two different VEs to develop recommendations for the design of navigation systems in desktop VEs. The study consists of an objective assessment of navigation control dynamics, a guideline-based evaluation and a review of data collected during two experimental studies. The findings indicate that real-world constraints, specialised navigation techniques and feedback regarding location and direction of travel are needed to support navigation in desktop VEs.

[1]  Thomas A. Furness,et al.  Spatial perception in virtual environments: Evaluating an architectural application , 1993, Proceedings of IEEE Virtual Reality Annual International Symposium.

[2]  A BowmanDoug,et al.  An Introduction to 3-D User Interface Design , 2001 .

[3]  Roy A. Ruddle,et al.  Movement in Cluttered Virtual Environments , 2001, Presence: Teleoperators & Virtual Environments.

[4]  Barbara Hayes-Roth,et al.  Differences in spatial knowledge acquired from maps and navigation , 1982, Cognitive Psychology.

[5]  J. Moran,et al.  Sensation and perception , 1980 .

[6]  H. Schiffman.  Sensation and perception: An integrated approach, 3rd ed. , 1990 .

[7]  Asgeir Drøivoldsmo,et al.  Virtual reality verification of workplace design guidelines: A follow-up study , 2002 .

[8]  Jakob Nielsen,et al.  Usability engineering , 1997, The Computer Science and Engineering Handbook.

[9]  Wallace J. Sadowski,et al.  Nonvisually Guided Locomotion to a Previously Viewed Target in Real and Virtual Environments , 1998, Hum. Factors.

[10]  Angelia Sebok,et al.  Use of radiation maps in a virtual training environment for NPP field operators , 2002 .

[11]  Mark S. Sanders,et al.  Human Factors in Engineering and Design , 2016 .

[12]  Alan R. Earls,et al.  Digital equipment corporation. , 2004, Analytical chemistry.

[13]  Rudy Darken,et al.  Navigating large virtual spaces , 1996, Int. J. Hum. Comput. Interact..

[14]  Kay M. Stanney,et al.  Locus of User-Initiated Control in Virtual Environments: Influences on Cybersickness , 1998, Presence.

[15]  A Drøivoldsmo,et al.  Virtual reality tools for testing control room concepts , 2002 .

[16]  Colin Potts,et al.  Design of Everyday Things , 1988 .

[17]  Eugenia M. Kolasinski,et al.  Prediction of simulator sickness in a virtual environment , 1996 .

[18]  M StanneyKay,et al.  Locus of User-Initiated Control in Virtual Environments , 1998 .

[19]  Joseph L. Gabbard.  A Taxonomy of Usability Characteristics in Virtual Environments , 1997 .

[20]  Jesse Orlansky,et al.  DESIGN OF CONTROLS , 1956 .

[21]  Asgeir Drøivoldsmo,et al.  Virtual reality verification of workplace design guidelines for the process plant control room (HWR-633) : Halden, Norway: OECD Halden Reactor Project. , 2003 .

[22]  A. Siegel,et al.  The development of spatial representations of large-scale environments. , 1975, Advances in child development and behavior.

[23]  David D. Woods,et al.  Visual Momentum: A Concept to Improve the Cognitive Coupling of Person and Computer , 1984, Int. J. Man Mach. Stud..

[24]  Bob G. Witmer,et al.  Judging Perceived and Traversed Distance in Virtual Environments , 1998, Presence.

[25]  H. Schiffman.  Sensation and Perception: An Integrated Approach , 1976 .

[26]  Doug A. Bowman,et al.  Maintaining Spatial Orientation during Travel in an Immersive Virtual Environment , 1999, Presence.

[27]  Ivan Poupyrev,et al.  An Introduction to 3D User Interface Design , 2001 .

[28]  Ivan Poupyrev,et al.  An Introduction to 3-D User Interface Design , 2001, Presence: Teleoperators & Virtual Environments.

[29]  Douglas A. Bowman,et al.  Interaction Techniques For Common Tasks In Immersive Virtual Environments - Design, Evaluation, And , 1999 .

[30]  Robert G. Kinkade,et al.  Human Engineering Guide to Equipment Design (Revised Edition) , 1972 .

[31]  Christopher D. Wickens,et al.  Human Factors in Virtual Environments for the Visual Analysis of Scientific Data , 1995 .

[32]  B. Thomas,et al.  Usability Evaluation In Industry , 1996 .

[33]  G. Bartoo,et al.  Design controls , 2003, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine.

[34]  Mark S. Sanders,et al.  Human factors in engineering and design, 7th ed. , 1993 .

[35]  J. B. Brooke,et al.  SUS: A 'Quick and Dirty' Usability Scale , 1996 .

[36]  Norman G. Vinson,et al.  Design guidelines for landmarks to support navigation in virtual environments , 1999, CHI '99.