The aim of this research was to determine if the speed of movement in virtual environments has an impact on cybersickness as potentially experienced by an end user of the system. Cybersickness is a common side effect in virtual reality (VR) systems, shown to have a negative influence on user experience. It can be described as a mismatch between vestibular and oculomotor sensors, where a person has a feeling of movement even though there is none. In this research, we study the impact of different navigation speeds in VR on cybersickness, relying on both subjective ratings indicating cybersickness symptoms, and objective measures of stress level. We wanted to find out if there is a correlation between objective and subjective metrics used. For test purposes, we used the HTC Vive VR headset and scenery from the Talos Principle VR game (where subjects can easily shift between three different movement speeds). Subjective ratings were collected using a questionnaire involving 11 questions used to evaluate cybersickness symptoms. Objective metrics were collected using the Pip Biosensor. A total of 28 participants took part in the study, while 2 participants withdrew due to physical discomfort. Results obtained from the Pip device show no statistically significant difference between navigation speeds for relaxed, stressed, and steady states. Some statistically significant correlations were found between gender and stomach ache, need to vomit, and physical discomfort while wearing HMD. Furthermore, correlation was found between age and variables of nausea in transport vehicles and vertigo. Other correlations found are described in the results section of the paper.

Mobile-application performance and ultimately bounce rate are influenced by many factors, with wait-time duration proven to be the most important influencing factor. It is therefore important to optimize loading-time perception and performance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This research investigates the influences of loading-animation design, motion speed, and semantics, as well as the graphics format used for creation, on time perception. These research aims were (1) to identify the key factors that influence the quality of the user experience in the design of animated loading indicatorsand their perceived dimensions, (2) to find out what impact animation meaning has on perceived time duration, and (3) to identify loading-animation-design decisions’ influence on application performance. Research activities from the fields of human–computer interaction, psychology/neuroscience, and networking/telecommunications have addressed understanding the user’s wait-time experience. In this experiment, we confirmed that the perceived wait-time duration of a loading indicator is positively related to nontemporal properties, such as the processing principle, but we also reviewed the influence of the semantic structure of perceptual time representation. The specific meaning of an animation metaphor and its narrative sequence is related to information extraction and processing of novel and repeated stimuli and, consequently, to the experienced delight and duration judgment of an end user.

Text legibility is an important and influential aspect of multimedia, not only on usual multimedia reading devices (displays, tablets, and mobile phones) but also in three-dimensional virtual environments (VE). In VEs, text can be used for many purposes in accordance with the category of experience (gaming, architectural visualization, exhibition, education). Font type used can deteriorate the VE experience if the user has to strain his eyes so that he may correctly read what has been written. The purpose of this research is to examine different fonts in order to determine which properties of a typeface are more suitable for VE. Four different fonts have been tested in 10 font sizes at three viewing distances (5, 10, and 15 meters). Times New Roman as a representative of serif fonts, Helvetica as a non-serif font, Caveat as a representative of handwritten fonts, and Roboto as a font for digital use, initially developed for the Android operating system. Different typographic characteristics of fonts significantly affect readability in VE. Additionally, was explored how the color of the text and the background color influence text readability in 20 combinations. It is known that the relationship between text color and background color affects readability. Since VR is a relatively new medium, we wanted to determine which relationship between colors of text and background is the best and whether it follows some rules present on the web. The colors of the text were black and white, and the colors of the background were black, white and gray, red, green, pastel green, blue, pastel blue, yellow, pastel orange, and pastel pink. Results regarding text color/background color have shown that most participants preferred black text on white background, black text on a gray background, and white text on a pastel orange background. On the contrary, participants rated white text on a yellow background as the least preferable combination, accompanied by white text on a pastel green background.

It is well established that the consumers can often judge the qualities of enclosed products solely based on the information obtained from the packaging. The shape, size and weight of the container, materials, visual design, and information influence the consumer’s perception of the product and purchasing decisions. In the context of consumer’s browsing through store shelves, the appearance of the packaging container can be the crucial factor for selecting a specific product for closer inspection and, therefore, can have the major role in purchasing process and consumers’ decisions. The majority of chocolate bar packaging feature rectangular physical shape of the container. Therefore, using materials, finishing and, most importantly, visual design elements, the designers strive to differentiate the product from the competition on the store shelves while also communicating desired qualities of the product. The research in this paper is focused on the influence of colour and basic shape elements applied on packaging on the perception of quality attributes of chocolate products. In the first part of the research semantic differential questionnaire was used to evaluate perception of colours and basic shape elements in regard to pragmatic and hedonic quality aspects of confectionery products. For this part of the research, the stimuli were displayed outside of the context of packaging. For the main part of the research, both physical prototypes and digital simulations of the packaging were developed, with variations in dominant colours and basic shapes used for visual design of the packaging. AttrakDiff questionnaire was used for subjective evaluation of physical stimuli. Digital simulations, combined with eye-tracking equipment, were used to assess the visual inspection of stimuli when the participants were asked to search for a specific taste related property of the product. Fixation count and fixation duration were measured to establish which packaging designs gathered the most attention during the visual search for specific product traits.

The growing use of mobile devices in daily life has led to an increased demand for the display of large amounts of data. In response, radial visualizations have emerged as a popular type of visualization in mobile applications due to their visual appeal. However, previous research has highlighted issues with these visualizations, namely misinterpretation due to their column length and angles. This study aims to provide guidelines for designing interactive visualizations on mobile devices and new evaluation methods based on the results of an empirical study. The perception of four types of circular visualizations on mobile devices was assessed through user interaction. All four types of circular visualizations were found to be suitable for use within mobile activity tracking applications, with no statistically significant difference in responses by type of visualization or interaction. However, distinguishing characteristics of each visualization type were revealed depending on the category that is in focus (memorability, readability, understanding, enjoyment, and engagement). The research outcomes provide guidelines for designing interactive radial visualizations on mobile devices, enhance the user experience, and introduce new evaluation methods. The study’s results have significant implications for the design of visualizations on mobile devices, particularly in activity tracking applications.