Take a Walk : Evaluating Movement Types for Data Visualization in Immersive Virtual Reality

3D virtual reality (VR) technology has long promised to provide new ways to view and interact with abstract data, but it has been held back by technological limitations and the difficulty of moving through 3D environments. Recent innovations in VR technology overcome previous constraints, but existing research has had mixed insights into the optimal types of virtual movement for task performance. We conducted a two-factor between subjects (N = 20) pilot experiment testing two types of viewpoint interaction for exploring a 3D scatterplot in a virtual environment developed using consumer-grade VR hardware and software tools. In one condition users changed their viewpoint by physically walking around the 3D scatterplot, the system matching their physical location to their virtual one. In the other users stood still and rotated the scatterplot with a controller. An exploratory analysis of plot-specific memory tasks revealed that individual differences played a strong role depending on the condition. In particular, low spatial ability users were better supported by walking interaction rather than interaction using a controller. The pilot experiment revealed potentials for improvements in the chosen measures, and the findings will inform the design of future larger-scale evaluations.