How Interaction Techniques Affect Workload in a Virtual Environment During Multitasking

Abstract

Abstract Virtual environments (VEs) can be modulated and adapted to the needs of each user, but in the case of patients, performance can be affected by several factors that are difficult to expertise. The objective of the study is to explore the relationship between workload and the interaction techniques used during selection in a virtual apartment. Fifty-six participants performed tasks in a VE with 2D or, more immersive, 3D interaction techniques. The VE used was the Virtual Multitasking Test (Banville et al., 2018) where participants realized several everyday tasks in a virtual apartment. Workload and variables describing how individuals felt in the VE were measured using questionnaires, and performance in VE has been assessed. Results showed that 2D selection techniques have a better usability than 3D ones. The performance (success in task realization) on the virtual tasks was not impacted by the interaction techniques. Our results suggest that the easier it is to use an interaction technique, the less workload is associated with it. Sense of presence and cybersickness were affected by 3D interaction techniques. Thus, future VEs for cognitive assessment and rehabilitation, based on instrumental activities of daily living, will have to adapt their interaction techniques to different users.