Hands vs. Controllers: Comparing User Interactions in Virtual Reality Shopping Environments

Virtual reality (VR) enables users to experience real-life situations in immersive environments. Interaction methods significantly shape user experience, particularly in high-fidelity simulations mimicking real-world tasks. This study evaluates two primary VR interaction techniques—hand-based and controller-based—through virtual shopping tasks in a simulated supermarket with 40 participants. Hand-based interaction was preferred for its natural, immersive qualities and alignment with real-world gestures but faced usability challenges, including limited haptic feedback and grasping inefficiencies. In contrast, controller-based interaction offered greater precision and reliability, making it more suitable for tasks requiring fine motor skills.