The Impact of Task-Based Virtual Reality Game Design on Workload, Presence, and Cybersickness

Core Concepts

The nature of the task in a virtual reality environment can mitigate the impact of scene complexity factors, such as optic flow and familiarity, on workload, presence, and cybersickness.

Abstract

This study examined the relationships among scene complexity, workload, presence, and cybersickness in a task-based virtual reality (VR) game called Pendulum Chair. The researchers created two versions of the game: a simple scene with lower optic flow and lower familiarity, and a complex scene with higher optic flow and greater familiarity.
The key findings are:

Despite the visible differences in scene complexity, the workload and presence experienced by participants were statistically equivalent between the simple and complex scenes. This suggests that the presence of a task, independent of scene content, can neutralize the impact of scene complexity factors.

The cybersickness experienced by participants was also statistically equivalent between the simple and complex scenes, hinting that the equivalency in workload and presence might overshadow the impact of varying optic flow.

Surprisingly, the study found a moderate, negative correlation between workload and cybersickness, contrary to some previous findings. This suggests that increased workload up to a certain threshold may actually reduce cybersickness, potentially by distracting users from cybersickness cues.

The results indicate that the nature of the task in a VR environment can be a crucial factor in shaping the user experience, potentially outweighing the influence of traditional scene complexity variables. Future research should prioritize task considerations when examining cybersickness and other VR experience factors.

Stats

Participants in the simple scene had a mean workload of 10.89 ± 3.20.
Participants in the complex scene had a mean workload of 10.55 ± 3.40.
Participants in the simple scene had a mean presence score of 98.54 ± 13.48.
Participants in the complex scene had a mean presence score of 101.09 ± 19.17.
Participants in the simple scene had a mean SSQ (cybersickness) score of 64.77 ± 40.53.
Participants in the complex scene had a mean SSQ score of 52.02 ± 32.38.

Quotes

"The nature of the task can mitigate the impact of scene complexity factors such as optic flow and familiarity."
"The influence of presence and workload variables might outweigh the impact of optic flow in influencing cybersickness."
"An increase in workload correlates with a decrease in cybersickness, contrary to previous findings."

Key Insights Distilled From

The Correlations of Scene Complexity, Workload, Presence, and Cybersickness in a Task-Based VR Game

by Mohammadamin... at arxiv.org 03-29-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.19019.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How might the specific design of the task in a VR environment influence the user experience beyond scene complexity factors?

The specific design of the task in a VR environment can significantly influence the user experience beyond scene complexity factors. The nature of the task can play a crucial role in shaping the overall VR experience by impacting variables such as workload, presence, and cybersickness. For example, if the task is engaging, challenging, and well-suited to the VR environment, users are likely to experience higher levels of presence and immersion, leading to a more enjoyable and effective experience. Additionally, the task design can influence the cognitive and motor skills required, which in turn can affect the user's workload and level of engagement. Therefore, a well-designed task that aligns with the VR environment can enhance user satisfaction and performance.

What other factors, beyond workload and presence, could potentially mediate the relationship between scene complexity and cybersickness?

In addition to workload and presence, several other factors could potentially mediate the relationship between scene complexity and cybersickness in a VR environment. One such factor is individual susceptibility to cybersickness, which can vary based on factors like age, prior VR experience, and sensory sensitivity. The design of the VR hardware and software, including factors like frame rate, resolution, and motion tracking accuracy, can also influence cybersickness. Moreover, the level of user control and interactivity within the VR environment, as well as the presence of motion or visual cues that conflict with the user's vestibular system, can impact cybersickness. Environmental factors such as lighting, sound, and temperature may also play a role in mediating the relationship between scene complexity and cybersickness.

How can the insights from this study be applied to the design of VR training and educational applications to optimize user engagement and comfort?

The insights from this study can be valuable in optimizing the design of VR training and educational applications to enhance user engagement and comfort. By understanding the impact of scene complexity, workload, presence, and cybersickness on the user experience, designers can tailor VR environments to minimize negative effects and maximize positive outcomes. For example, creating tasks that are well-matched to the VR environment, considering factors like cognitive load and motor skills required, can improve user engagement. Additionally, ensuring that the VR environment is designed to balance scene complexity with user workload and presence can help reduce cybersickness and enhance comfort. By incorporating these insights into the design process, VR training and educational applications can offer more effective and enjoyable experiences for users.