A comparative study on user gestural inputs for navigation in NUI-based 3D virtual environments

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a case study intended to compare three different user movement paradigms (metaphoric, symbolic and natural) designed to control the visit of virtual environments for a NUI-based museum installation. It also evaluates the effects of previous expertise with 3D video games in the results for users that took part in the study. The study evaluates the performance of each movement scheme for the navigation of the environment, the degree of intuitiveness perceived by the users, and the user experience. The analysis is based on the data collected in an experiment with 28 participants sorted into two groups, separating users with less previous expertise in 3D videogames from those who considered themselves as frequent players. During the experiment, the participants completed two different tasks with every movement scheme in random order. During the course of the test, the system monitored and recorded the user movements in order to extract relevant data about time to complete the task, number of collisions and time spent in a collision condition. A post-task questionnaire was carried out immediately after completion of every task. At the end of the session, users also took a test questionnaire. In addition, the authors asked users for general comments and recommendations for improvement. The results show that the natural movement scheme stands out as the most adequate for the contemplation of the virtual environment and the most balanced at a general level for the three variables considered. The symbolic scheme proved the most efficient. The natural movement scheme and symbolic scheme appear to be the most appropriate to navigate such digital environments as those present in museum installations for any kind of user.