The Effects of Thermal Feedback on Users’ Virtual Experiences in a Virtual Tour of the Solar System

• In Event: CAT Hybrid Session 2: Virtual Experiences and Interaction

Abstract

The present study is designed to investigate possible effects of thermal feedback from a heating jacket on users’ feelings of spatial presence, suspension of disbelief, perceived realism and intention to seek further information regarding their virtual experiences associated with a short virtual tour of the solar system. Further, this study explores the moderating effects of the thermal feedback in two different mode of display presentation: mesoscopic (2D) versus stereoscopic (3D) modes. In order to test the research hypotheses and research question, the present study used a 2 (monoscopic 2D vs. stereoscopic 3D display) × 2 (thermal feedback vs. no feedback from heating suit) between-subjects factorial design for an experiment (n=70). Overall, a series of two-way ANOVA analyses of this study suggest that, regardless of the display mode (2D vs. 3D), thermal feedback from the heating suit would generate users’ feelings of spatial presence, willingness to suspend their disbelief, perceived realism, and behavioral intentions to seek further information regarding the solar system. Theoretical and practical implications associated with the unexpected and expected findings will be discussed in greater detail in the full manuscript.

Authors

• Doohwang Lee, Kyung Hee University

• young-nam seo, nanyang technological university

• Minkyung Kim, Kyung Hee U

• Wooyeong Kil, Kyung Hee University

• Youngjin Choi, Hanyang U