Investigating Emotional Design Features for Learning in Virtual Reality

• In Event: Exploring Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments to Support Cognitive, Emotional, and Civic Development

Abstract

Recognizing the importance of emotion for learning in general, and for learning in VR in particular, we investigated three emotional design features, including two visual features (background lighting and particle effects) and an interaction feature (available user actions). Our findings revealed the affective quality of these three design features, showing that particle effects and actions significantly increase positive emotion, while dark background lighting induces slightly negative emotions. Action, however, also increased the perceived level of cognitive load. Only action had an effect on perceived presence, whereas background lighting and particle effects did not. We discuss the implication of our findings for the design of VR for learning.

Authors

• Yuli Shao, New York University

• Yuqi Hang, New York University

• Fabian Froehlich, New York University - Shanghai

• Bruce D. Homer, Graduate Center - CUNY

• Jan L. Plass, New York University