PhD Seminar • Human-Computer Interaction — Experimental Analysis of Barehand Mid-air Mode-Switching Techniques in Virtual Reality

Friday, February 14, 2020 1:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Hemant Surale, PhD candidate
David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science

In this seminar, we will present an empirical comparison of eleven barehand, mid-air mode-switching techniques suitable for virtual reality in two experiments. 

The first evaluates seven techniques spanning dominant and non-dominant hand actions. Techniques represent common classes of actions selected by a methodical examination of 56 examples of the prior art. The standard “subtraction method” protocol is adapted for 3D interfaces, with two baseline selection methods, a barehand pinch and device controller button. 

A second experiment with four techniques explores more subtle dominant-hand techniques and the effect of using a dominant hand device for selection. We will also discuss the results that provide guidance to practitioners when choosing barehand, mid-air mode-switching techniques, and for researchers when designing new mode-switching methods in VR.