The influence of human factors on 360° mulsemedia QoE

Quality of Experience (QoE) is indelibly linked to the human side of the multimedia experience. Surprisingly, however, there is a paucity of research which explores the impact that human factors has in determining QoE. Whilst this is true of multimedia, it is even more starkly so as far as mulsemedia applications that involve media engaging three or more of human senses - is concerned. Hence, in the study reported in this paper, we focus on an exciting subset of mulsemedia applications - 360 degrees mulsemedia particularly important given that the upcoming 5G technology is foreseen to be a key enabler for the proliferation of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) applications. Accordingly, we study the impact that human factors such as gender, age, prior computing experience, and smell sensitivity have on 360 degrees mulsemedia QoE. Results showed insight into the potential of 360 degrees mulsemedia to inspire and to enrich experiences for Generation Z - a generation empowered by rapidly advancing technology. Patterns of prior media usage and smell sensitivity play also an important role in influencing the QoE evaluation users who have a preference for dynamic videos enjoy and find realistic the 360 degrees mulsemedia experiences.

Automated summary

This study examines the impact of human factors on 360 degrees mulsemedia QoE, revealing the potential for enriching experiences for Generation Z and the influence of user preferences on dynamic videos on the evaluation of 360 degrees mulsemedia experiences.