A review on ergonomics evaluations of virtual reality

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) is a combination of technologies that allow the user to interact with a computer-simulated environment with the experience of immersion, interactivity, and imagination. However, ergonomic problems related to virtual reality have adverse effects on the health and experience of users, which restrict the application of virtual reality technology. OBJECTIVE: The paper aims to provide an overview of the ergonomics evaluation of VR for further development of software and hardware of VR. METHODS: This paper describes and discusses the ergonomics issues involved in the software and hardware of VR from three aspects: visual, physiological, and cognitive. The paper also summarizes the research methods and evaluation metrics. RESULTS: Many attempts have been made to study ergonomics issues of VR, mainly including pressure, muscle fatigue, thermal comfort, visual fatigue, and motion sickness. Ergonomics studies are very valuable for research related to virtual reality. There is a summary table that lists the main evaluation metrics and methods. CONCLUSIONS: According to current research, this review gives three recommendations for further research on VR, which will be helpful for further human-centered research and design work within the VR industry.