Estimating VR Sickness and user experience using different HMD technologies: An evaluation study

Abstract

This paper presents results of a user study of the effects of virtual reality technology on VR Sickness and User Experience. In our study the participants watched two different panoramic (360) videos, one with relaxing content (beach clip) and second one with action content (roller coaster video clip). Videos were watched on four different head mounted displays (HMDs) and on the 2D television as a reference display. To assess VR Sickness discomfort levels, we have used the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and for user experience the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) was used. For quick assessments of VR Sickness discomfort levels, we have also used Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS). We have found a strong correlation between SUDS and total SSQ score and between total SSQ score and SSQ-D score. Shown negative correlation between VR Sickness discomfort levels (assessed by SSQ and UEQ Questionnaire), and user experience (assessed by UEQ Questionnaire), indicates that presence of VR Sickness symptoms affects the user experience.