Effects of the Weight and Balance of Head-Mounted Displays on Physical Load

To maximize user experience in VR environments, optimizing the comfortability of head-mounted displays (HMDs) is essential. To date, few studies have investigated the fatigue induced by wearing commercially available HMDs. Here, we focus on the effects of HMD weight and balance on the physical load experienced by the user. We conducted an experiment in which participants completed a shooting game while wearing differently weighted and balanced HMDs. Afterwards, the participants completed questionnaires to assess levels of discomfort and fatigue. The results clarify that the weight of the HMD affects user fatigue, with the degree of fatigue varying depending on the center of mass position. Additionally, they suggest that the torque at the neck joint corresponds to the physical load imparted by the HMD. Therefore, our results provide valuable insights, demonstrating that, to improve HMD comfortability, it is necessary to consider both the balance and reduction of weight during HMD design.

Automated summary

The study found that the weight and balance of HMDs have an impact on user fatigue, with torque at the neck joint corresponding to the physical load imparted by the HMD. Therefore, in the design process of HMDs, it is necessary to consider both balance and weight reduction to improve comfort.