Abstract
This study examined how users acquire spatial knowledge in an onscreen three-dimensional virtual environment when using overview maps. This experiment adopted a three (the size of overview maps) x two (the transparency of overview maps) between-subjects design. Three levels of the size of overview maps were evaluated, i.e., 1/2, 1/8, and 1/16 screen size. Comparisons between 20% transparent and 80% transparent were made. We asked 108 participants to complete spatial perception tasks and fill out questionnaires regarding their feelings. The results indicate the following: (1) The effects of the transparency of overview maps on users’ spatial perception vary with the size of overview maps. The 80% transparent overview map is significantly more efficient than the 20% transparent overview map in the condition of 1/2 screen size. However, the result is opposite in the condition of 1/8 screen size. (2) Users like the 80% transparent overview map significantly better than the 20% transparent overview map in the condition of 1/2 screen size. (3) Concerning subjective evaluations of satisfaction, preference, and system usability, overview maps in the condition of 1/8 screen size are significantly better than those in the condition of 1/2 screen size.
Highlights
As three-dimensional virtual environment (3D VE) has become more widely used in recent years, the usability, interactivity, and immersion of VE interfaces are expected to be better
1/8 screen size performed significantly better than those using the overview map in the condition of 1/2 screen size
At 1/2 screen size, participants using the 80% transparent overview map performed significantly better than those using the 20% transparent overview map
Summary
As three-dimensional virtual environment (3D VE) has become more widely used in recent years, the usability, interactivity, and immersion of VE interfaces are expected to be better. It is difficult to absorb distance and direction information in unfamiliar environments. Various visual aids that provide spatial knowledge of the environment by graphical means [7]. Are usable and effective in performing the common VE tasks regarding navigation and object selection/manipulation [8]. Previous studies have indicated that the effectiveness of an overview map is better than wedge, scaled arrows [9], animation guide, and query-based direction information [10] in terms of performing spatial tasks in VEs. With an overview map that show a survey of the environment as a navigation aid, users can sense the spatial layout precisely [11] and do not have to acquire survey knowledge through widest navigation in the VE [12]. Users with an overview map have better sense of direction and security, higher satisfaction, preference, and efficiency than those without an overview map; overview maps occupy screen space, add complexity to the system, and require more mental and temporal demand to integrate the distinct views [13,14,15]
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