Watch your back! Dynamic thumbnails for a 360-degree video player to enhance viewing experience on 2D displays

We present a novel 360° video player with dynamic thumbnails to address the challenge of navigating 360° content on 2D displays. A user study compared this player to a traditional 360° player, focusing on the reduction of fear of missing out (FOMO) and timeline navigation efficiency without compromising usability. Results showed dynamic thumbnails significantly reduced FOMO, as users reported less anxiety and performed fewer camera rotations. Task completion times and gaze patterns were comparable across both players. The proposed player received a System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 84.7, categorized as “Good.” While users appreciated the improved situational awareness, minor usability issues were identified. These results highlight the potential of dynamic thumbnails for enhancing 360° video navigation, warranting further optimization and research.