Developing a VR Application for an Omnidirectional Treadmill

Users of virtual reality (VR) applications often must travel between locations in virtual spaces. An omnidirectional treadmill is a device that allows users to walk in all directions in a virtual space without physically moving the position of their body in the real world. The obvious advantage of an omnidirectional treadmill is that users can walk large distances in VR without concern they will collide with objects in their real physical space. Much research investigating the use of omnidirectional treadmills in VR has focused on comparing treadmills to other forms of navigation, and exploring various aspects of the user experience, such as symptoms of cybersickness. This paper describes our work in progress to develop and evaluate a VR application for the Infinadeck omnidirectional treadmill. Our goals are to create a VR application highlighting the benefits of the treadmill, develop the application in stages so that many students at our University can contribute, and increase understanding of how to develop pleasurable omnidirectional treadmill experiences.