Impact of an audio-haptic strap to augment immersion in VR video gaming: a pilot study

PubDate:Oct 2023

Teams: Cedric - CNAM;CNRS;G4F

Writers:Antoine Bourachot,Tifanie Bouchara,Olivier Cornet

PDF:Impact of an audio-haptic strap to augment immersion in VR video gaming: a pilot study

Abstract

With the development, for the general public, of haptic devices allowing to transform audio signals into vibrations, the question of their capacity to immerse users or players more is raised. This study aims to evaluate how haptic feedback associated with audio reinforces our immersion in a virtual space, more specifically, in VR video games. A preliminary study was carried out with an haptic belt: the Woojer’s Strap Edge. 17 participants had to play two VR shooting games, with and without haptic feedback, and then answer questionnaires between each session. A post-hoc questionnaire was proposed to get free feedback from the participants. Results show no significant differences between with and without haptic feedback conditions in the between-session questionnaires, however the final questionnaire reveals a very strong inter-subject variability when it comes to the perception and appreciation of haptic feedback.