Effect of Interaction Characteristics of Virtual Environments on Spatial Representation

The effect of interaction characteristics such as display size and active/passive navigation on spatial representation was investigated when participants repeatedly navigated complex three-dimensional virtual maze. The study was divided into two main phases: learning and test. Participants navigated respectively under active or passive navigation style and two display sizes condition during learning phase. Spatial representation was examined by testing estimation of directions in the environment. Participants judged more accurately in active navigation and large projection display condition than in passive navigation and desktop monitor condition. Findings further show that the effects of active or passive navigation style and display size on spatial representation are dependent.