User experience with semi-natural locomotion techniques in virtual reality
Lawrence Elliot Warren, Doug A. Bowman · 2017
Prior studies have shown that semi-natural VR locomotion techniques (i.e., those with moderate levels of interaction fidelity) can produce an inferior user experience compared to both real walking and non-natural locomotion techniques [1], but it is not known whether all semi-natural VR locomotion interfaces suffer from the same problems. The Virtuix Omni is a commercial VR locomotion device in which users strap into a harness that supports the lower body and perform walking motions on a low-friction curved floor. Our analysis of the Omni indicated that while it still falls in the semi-natural category, it may have some advantages compared to prior semi-natural devices. We conducted a study to evaluate user experience with the Omni in order to determine whether the Omni avoids the user experience problems seen in other moderate-fidelity techniques.