Comparison of performance for visual feedback and cursors in mid-air grasping of 3D objects

Abstract

While investigating the performance benefits of visual feedback for grasping in midair interaction based virtual reality simulations, some studies noted that user performance in tasks has not improved when using visual feedback methods, while it has improved in other, similar studies. This thesis presents an experiment that was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of these techniques. The experiment itself involves a simple task that uses tools through a grasp and release mechanism, in a virtual environment that compares visual feedback methods used in other studies against techniques meant to inform the user of the bounds of the simulation in advance, known as feedforward techniques. Data collected finds that performance is not significantly impacted by either feedback or feedforward techniques, though feedback is preferred against a lack of feedback. Recommendations are provided to help minimize the use of visual effects on objects that may draw user focus from their intended target.