The Effect of Navigational Aids on Spatial Memory in Virtual Reality

Shachar Maidenbaum, Ansh Patel, Tamara Gedankien, Joshua Jacobs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Modern navigation aids revolutionized human navigation, but are also criticized for potential negative effects on human spatial memory. However, previous tests focused on spatial skills such as environment learning and mental rotations rather then on spatial memory directly. Here, we test directly the effect of a simple navigational aid - an augmented arrow pointing towards the next target - on users' spatial memory. We find that performance was significantly more efficient with these guiding arrows, but with no significant decrease in spatial memory performance. This suggests negative effects may stem from other features such as attention, and tempers the media's over-alarmist view.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2020 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces, VRW 2020
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages645-646
Number of pages2
ISBN (Electronic)9781728165325
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2020
Externally publishedYes
Event2020 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces, VRW 2020 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: 22 Mar 202026 Mar 2020

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2020 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces, VRW 2020

Conference

Conference2020 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces, VRW 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period22/03/2026/03/20

Keywords

  • Human centered computing
  • Human computer interaction (HCI)
  • Interaction paradigms
  • Navigation
  • Spatial Memory
  • Virtual Reality
  • Virtual reality
  • assistive device

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Media Technology

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