Movement in VR

This project deals with locomotion methods in virtual reality. It focuses on the impact of these methods on navigation and spatial memory. VR locomotion methods or VR locomotion are technologies, which allow us to move through the virtual environment. However many locomotion methods cause disorientation or even nausea. Therefore, choosing the appropriate locomotion method is an important aspect of any study or experience using VR.

The project started as Oliver’s bachelor thesis. Two locomotion methods (teleportation and teleportation with optic flow) were compared in an experiment in virtual apartments. In the first part, the task was to navigate in the apartments and find assigned objects. In the second part of the experiment, the task was to point to the positions of these objects in an empty environment with only one reference point.

The results from the first project showed a significant difference only in the time required to complete the first part of the experiment, which focused on navigation skills – teleportation with optical flow has proven to be faster. Recently we conducted another study with the same design as in the diploma thesis to gather additional data. We are currently preparing a paper with additional analyses.