World and Object Designs for Virtual Environments

Lisa Rebenitsch, Charles Owen and Sarah Coburn

Abstract

Three dimensional displays such 3D television, Oculus Rift, and Sony Project Morpheus, provide a virtual reality gaming capabilities in the home. However, broad interface guidelines for developing applications for these systems are limited. In particular, object size and three dimensional world structures in virtual reality are in earlier stages of interface design. Serious games will be unable to leverage the immersive qualities of these systems if interfaces are confusing and lead to disorientation or cybersickness. We reviewed two dimensional guidelines, past applications using virtual reality systems, and observation in our own virtual reality system to offer guidance on what performs well in these systems. We offer suggestions as to minimum object size and world design that consider the limitations of accurate navigation in immersive virtual reality.