Towards Personalized Navigation in XR: Design Recommendations to Accommodate Individual Differences

Navigation interfaces in Extended Reality (XR) have traditionally targeted universal solutions that perform well for all users. However, research has shown that users exhibit distinct preferences and performance patterns when using different navigation techniques. This position paper argues for the necessity of and strategies for designing personalized navigation interfaces that accommodate individual differences in spatial abilities, navigation strategies, and individual needs. Drawing from empirical findings from previous work investigating locomotion and wayfinding techniques and research in spatial cognition and navigation, we demonstrate how different user groups respond uniquely to navigation interface components. Based on these insights, we propose design recommendations for developing adaptive navigation interfaces that cater to individual user characteristics while maintaining usability. Furthermore, we discuss opportunities for standardization in user assessment, interface adaptation, and inclusive design. This approach could lead to more inclusive and effective navigation solutions for XR environments.