Exploring the Serial Position Effect Theory in a Virtual Reality User Interface Design

Abstract This study explores the serial position effect (SPE) in virtual reality (VR) user interface (UI) design, a concept extensively used in traditional UIs to enhance user recall by positioning critical information at the beginning or end of a sequence. While SPE is well-documented in non-VR contexts, its effectiveness in VR environments remains underexplored. We conducted an experiment involving 55 students who interacted with various UI designs in a VR setting. The interfaces displayed sequential information through different layouts, including lists and trees. Our findings indicate that while SPE influences recall in conventional settings, its impact in VR is mitigated by factors such as item familiarity and brand recognition. Notably, familiar items positioned mid-sequence were recalled as effectively as those at the start or end, suggesting that prior exposure can override SPE in VR. These results contribute to understanding UI design in immersive environments and suggest that traditional design principles, like SPE, may need adaptation for VR contexts.