Presence and Navigational Experience in Desktop Virtual Reality

This study explores how previous experience and navigational experience relate to the sense of presence in desktop virtual reality environments. The research aims to explore the correlation between user familiarity with VR software, the perceived naturalness of navigation, and presence. A total of 112 participants utilized the MaxWhere desktop VR platform in three separate studies and completed the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) and a navigational experience survey. Results indicate a positive correlation between previous VR experience and the sense of presence. Additionally, users who found navigation more intuitive reported higher levels of presence. These findings underscore the importance of user proficiency and seamless navigation in enhancing VR immersion.

I. Introduction

This study focuses on the relationship between prior user experience, navigational familiarity, and presence within desktop virtual reality environments, aiming to clarify how these factors influence the sense of presence in VR settings. It aligns well with the scope of Cognitive infocommunications (CogInfoCom) [1]–[3], which is an interdisciplinary field that merges infocommunications and cognitive sciences to enrich human-computer interaction and enhance cognitive abilities through technology. A key objective of CogInfoCom is to offer a structured viewpoint on how infocommunication tools and cognitive functions evolve together. McLellan [4] emphasized that virtual reality functions as a cognitive instrument, facilitating easier information management. This aligns with CogInfoCom’s goal of broadening and improving human cognitive capacities.