Impact of Different Types of Head-Centric Rest-Frames on VRISE and User Experience in Virtual Environments

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a user study of the effects of different head-centric rest-frames on Virtual Reality-Induced Symptoms and Effects (VRISE) and the user experience in virtual environments (VE). Participants played the custom-designed 3D game in two different game modes (high action and low action). For assessing VRISE levels, we used the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and Fast Motion Sickness Score (FMS). The presence was evaluated by SPES (Spatial Presence Experience Scale), and for the user experience, the short version of the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ-S) was used. The results indicate that the usage of head-centric rest-frames negatively affected VRISE levels (more sickness) in the low action mode of the game. However, for the users experienced with VR technology, the VRISE disorientation symptoms were alleviated in a high action mode of the game with rest-frame glasses. We found no negative effect of rest-frames on the user experience and presence, except for some negative impact when using rest-frame glasses in the low action mode of the game. No negative impact on the performance itself was observed. That means that the usage of head-centric rest-frames is suitable for usage in VR applications. In terms of VRISE levels, we found out that rest-frame glasses are more suitable for the wearers of the distance spectacles, and a baseball hat is more suitable for non-wearers of distance spectacles.