Preference Points and Interaction Patterns in Virtual Reality

During the exploration of a new environment, whether it is tangible or simulated, the initial step typically involves the act of investigation. The objective of this investigative process within this particular framework is to locate a position that offers the highest amount of informative or otherwise advantageous perspectives within the space. Depending on the intricacy of the space and the specific task at hand, this endeavour can prove to be quite challenging. However, in the realm of virtual reality, the identification of valuable viewpoints can be made more feasible by altering the arrangement of the space, as well as modifying other visual characteristics in order to reduce the cognitive burden of navigation. Within the confines of this scholarly article, we present a series of experiments carried out in a desktop virtual environment, which suggest that in addition to the spatial layout, the key points of discovery within a space can also impact the time required to successfully complete a task. This assertion is corroborated by data pertaining to the key points of navigation, as well as the activation mode employed on the various 2D displays (smartboards) situated in a three-dimensional space. In the course of this research, we demonstrated how specific nodes can be identified using a data-driven approach, thereby enabling users to concentrate on the most crucial information and gain a comprehensive overview of any given virtual space.