The usability of VR with motion capture in complex environments : unlocking the potential of virtual reality and motion capture

Abstract

Integrating virtual reality (VR) with motion capture (Mo-Cap) can revolutionise the approach in various fields, from animation generation within game development and filming to industrial training and education. VR-integrated motion capture can enhance immersion, interaction, and realism. However, the usability of these integrated systems in complex environments remains under-explored, particularly in terms of how they impact user experience and productivity. This dissertation investigates the usability of VR-integrated Mo-Cap systems by comparing them to traditional Mo-Cap systems without VR, focusing on the dimensions of Usefulness, Ease of Use, Learnability, and Satisfaction, as defined by the USE-Lite framework. The study employs a between-subject experimental design, where two independent groups (N=19) of participants interact with one of the systems in a controlled environment, one group using motion capture only and the other also using VR. Their experiences are assessed through a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. The results show no statistical difference between the group that used VR and those that did not use it in perceived usability within this context. However, nuanced insights were obtained, especially when considering the challenges of combining these technologies. The study highlights issues such as virtual sickness, latency and the hardware’s cumbersome nature as key factors in determining usability. Although their effect is slight, the study also suggests that VR improves the ease of use and learnability of motion capture but marginally reduces usefulness and satisfaction within this context. This dissertation contributes to the growing knowledge of VR-integrated motion capture. It also provides developers and researchers in this field avenues to optimise similar systems to improve the overall user experience and productivity.