Do Users Choose A Biomechanical Model when Virtually Turning in VR? User Preferences for Axes of Head-induced Yaw Rotation in Ego-Centric Viewpoint Control

This study explores the plausibility of different yaw rotation axes during virtual reality (VR) navigation, focusing on a scrolling method where head movements trigger camera rotations. We investigate whether participants adjust the rotation axis to align with their mental model of movement, and if so, what axis they consider most plausible. Our results indicate that participants primarily selected a rotation axis around the position of the virtual camera, suggesting a strong alignment with the camera’s location. The findings highlight the importance of understanding individual differences in perception of virtual rotation and suggest that future studies could further explore the effects of these axes on user experience, including potential impacts on cybersickness.