Comparing Control Schemas in Isometric Balanced-based Controllers

Body-directed inputs allow users to utilize a transfer function mapped to shifts in the center of mass to control navigation in virtual reality. Researchers have evaluated various devices but have not assessed methods for controlling them. With this study, we aim to investigate factors contributing to control schemas in balance-based controllers. We developed four experimental conditions assigned to the transfer function mapping following a 2 (orientation: turning vs. no-turning) × 2 (acceleration: gradual vs. instantaneous) within-group study design. For our study, we collected data from 25 study participants to explore how the orientation and acceleration factors could impact participants’ performance, accuracy, system usability, task load, and symptoms of motion sickness. Our data revealed that 1) orientation of the transfer function impacted performance, 2) acceleration impacted accuracy, 3) orientation impacted task load, 4) both orientation and acceleration individually impacted system usability, and 5) orientation impacted symptoms of motion sickness.