Journal
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
Volume 114, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104128
Keywords
Virtual reality (VR); Motion sickness; Temperature; Comfort; User experience
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This study examines the impact of microclimate temperature and standing/seated use on thermal discomfort in VR headset users. The results show that thermal discomfort decreased as microclimate temperature increased, but weight discomfort remained unchanged. Users experienced more sweating and higher forehead temperatures while standing with the lowest thermal profile. The study suggests that thermal comfort should be designed according to individual differences, duration of use, and activity level.
Thermal discomfort is a driver of negative user experiences with modern VR headsets since they are similar to head-worn gaming computers. Here, we examined the effect of microclimate temperature (MCT; i.e., the air between headset and user) and the effect of standing and seated use on thermal discomfort for a goggle style headset. Users played VR games across three 48-min sessions with different thermal profiles ranging between 28 degrees -43 degrees C. Perceived thermal and weight discomfort were rated by participants every 12-min. Thermal, but not weight comfort declined during the study period as MCT increased. Users sweat more and had greater forehead temperatures while standing with the lowest thermal profile, suggesting thermal management is more critical for active experiences. Overall, this study recommends MCT should be kept below 36 degrees C. Finally design for thermal comfort should be tailored to the individual, experience duration and activity level.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available