Why move during virtual reality sketching? Experimental study to improve the quality of sketches in virtual reality

Virtual Reality (VR) sketching is a valuable tool for conceptual understanding, creativity, and design, but quality issues can hinder its adoption. To address this, we conducted a study involving 15 novices and 15 experts who sketched three chair models in static, mobile, and control conditions. The results showed that mental rotation skills, training, model type, and movement impact sketch quality. The static condition negatively affected performance, particularly volume and proportion. Conversely, the mobile condition didn't improve sketch quality compared to the control group. 3D perception seems tied to movement, highlighting the need to adapt VR sketching software for these challenges. Enhancing the user experience and addressing these quality concerns will be pivotal in the widespread acceptance of VR sketching tools. • Movement is an essential element in order to perceive depth and thus 3D. • Some participants use strategies for recreating self-motion in static condition. • Designers have to adapt VR sketching software to optimize 3D visualization. • The higher the visuospatial skills of the participants, the higher the quality of the VR sketches. • There is a training effect between the first session and the third one.