This study aimed to investigate the role of VR environment engagement in learning a novel environment, particularly in relation to recall, learning, analogical direction, and cognitive framing. With increasing interest in VR-based spatial experiences, we focused on understanding how participants engage with and navigate tasks during and after their VR experience. Rather than assuming that VR inherently enhances spatial learning, we examined how the process of experiencing the VR environment influences task performance and learning outcomes. In this study, we conducted an experiment using a head-mounted display (HMD) to analyze participants’ interactions with the VR environment. The experiment included a think-aloud protocol during the experience, retrospective data collected afterward, and an examination of body movement changes throughout the session. The collected datasets were analyzed to explore their interrelations. The findings contribute to understanding the impact of the VR experience on spatial learning processes, emphasizing the importance of studying not just the outcomes but also the way individuals navigate and interact within the virtual space. As a preliminary study, this research offers valuable insights for future investigations and highlights the significance of VR-based environments in spatial learning experiments.