Designing a History Tool for a 3D Virtual Environment System

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to design a history tool for a 3D virtual environment system using hand interaction. This system would require a new history tool because it creates a different user experience from existing 2D applications. We discuss two challenges for designing the history tool: user needs and interfaces. First, we explore the user needs for a history tool, assuming that the characters’ intent to return to the past in time-travel films is analogous to the reasons for changing previous commands using a history tool in a 3D environment system. We analyze time-travel films and then define three design concepts of a history tool. Second, we ideate possible interfaces for a history tool considering hand-based object manipulation. We present the interface types using hands, other body parts, and an additional device. We also discuss the opportunities and constraints of each type. Combining these two discussions, we propose ten design ideas for a history tool in a 3D virtual environment system that provides hand-based interaction. The results of the pilot survey suggest that the history tool design concepts derived from time-travel films would be relevant to the history tool in 3D virtual environment systems.