Exploring Finger-Worn Solutions for Transitioning between the Reality-Virtuality Continuum

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) enable users to navigate the Reality-Virtuality Continuum, facilitating transitions between the Real world, Augmented Reality, Augmented Virtuality, and the Virtual world. Traditional transition methods use double taps on HMDs or buttons on handheld controllers to transition between the worlds. However, this can often disrupt hands-free interaction and hinder the overall immersion. Although prior work explored transitioning within a reality, little is known about solutions facilitating transitioning across multiple worlds. In this paper, we investigate index finger-based solutions for transitioning between multiple realities. We designed and fabricated finger-worn button configurations of 2 × 2, 2 × 1, and 4 × 1, and compared them with finger-worn solutions such as Joystick, Rotary wheel, and Slider. The results showed that the 2 × 2 button configuration is the most effective technique, minimizing trial time and ensuring user comfort. Overall, this research enhances VR user experiences by improving interaction techniques for fluid switching between realities in the Reality-Virtuality Continuum.