[Eng] VR UX 13. Interface Design

Interface and interaction design in virtual reality (VR) are essential for shaping how users experience and navigate immersive digital environments. This includes everything from how users interact with the virtual world to how they receive information and manipulate objects within it.

 

Interface Design in VR encompasses a broader range of activities than traditional User Interface (UI) design. It involves not only the visual elements that users interact with (like buttons and menus), but also the overall ecosystem of interaction between the user and the virtual environment. This means selecting appropriate input devices, like hand controllers or gestures, and defining how users navigate, manipulate objects, and how information is presented and received within the VR space.

 

Interaction Design focuses on the mechanics that enable these interactions. This includes mapping user actions to system responses, managing user states, and ensuring a seamless connection between the user and the VR system.

 

There are different types of interfaces used in VR:

 

1. Diegetic Interfaces: These are integrated within the virtual world and contribute to its narrative. For example, virtual heads-up displays (HUDs) or weapon displays not only serve functional purposes but also enhance the immersion and realism of the experience.

 

2. Non-Diegetic Interfaces: These exist outside of the virtual world, such as external menus and displays. They can provide essential information and functionalities but might detract from the sense of immersion and presence in the virtual environment.

 

3. Spatial Interfaces: These are a blend of diegetic and non-diegetic elements, employing floating panels, holograms, or gestures to balance functionality with immersion.

 

4. Meta Interfaces: These are used primarily for creating visual effects within the game, such as simulating weather conditions on a virtual windscreen.

 

UI in Virtual Reality

UI design in VR shapes how users interact with the virtual world. Spatial UIs play a crucial role by enabling experiences that feel as real as interacting with the physical world, thus activating the user's spatial cognition. This is essential for making VR a powerful tool for activities like training, as it makes users feel as if they are performing real-world tasks.

 

Spatial cognition is the human ability to perceive and process information about space. It plays a vital role in allowing individuals to understand their location, the position of objects around them, and their spatial relationships, which is crucial for navigating environments or manipulating objects. In VR, stimulating spatial cognition allows users to navigate and interact with virtual environments more naturally and realistically.

 

Beyond individual UI elements, interface design in VR encompasses the entire ecosystem of interactions between the user and the virtual environment. This broader scope includes the choice of input devices, such as hand controllers or gesture recognition systems, and extends to the overall layout and functionality of the VR space. It involves designing how users move through the VR environment, how they manipulate objects, and how they receive and process information.

 

Detailed considerations for effective UI and interface design in VR includes:

1. Spatial Audio Cues: Integrating audio cues in specific locations within the virtual environment can guide users toward important objects or actions. For example, a sound effect might indicate when a user is near an interactive element, or directional audio could help users locate a hidden item within the scene.
2. Visual and Natural Landmarks: Employing visual cues like trails of light or distinctively colored markers can lead users to key locations or features. These cues help in navigating complex environments without overwhelming the user with excessive textual instructions.
3. Simplicity in Menus: VR interfaces should strive for simplicity to avoid cognitive overload. Complex menus can detract from the immersive experience by making the system harder to navigate. Keeping interface elements straightforward and minimizing the number of steps required for any interaction enhances user comfort and efficiency.
4. Feedback Mechanisms: Providing clear feedback through visual, auditory, or haptic cues is essential in VR. This feedback helps users understand the consequences of their actions within the virtual world, reinforcing their sense of presence and agency.
5. Natural Interaction Mechanics: Interfaces should leverage natural user actions and gestures, such as grabbing, pointing, or swiping, which can make the virtual environment feel more intuitive and responsive. Designing with natural human behavior in mind ensures that users can interact with the VR environment in a way that feels familiar and effortless.
6. Testing and User Comfort: Regular testing with real users is vital to refine interfaces and ensure they are accessible and comfortable. User comfort is paramount in VR to prevent issues like motion sickness and to accommodate a wide range of physical abilities and preferences.
7. Using Depth and Distance: Effective UI design in VR utilizes the three-dimensional space by considering how objects appear at different distances. Proper scaling and perspective are crucial to ensure that objects behave realistically and maintain their utility across various user interactions.