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.