A4 Refereed article in a conference publication
A Data-driven Approach to Identify Feedback Elements for Effective VR Training
Authors: Ravyse, Werner; Tarkkanen, Kimmo; Luimula, Mika; Smed, Jouni
Editors: Salminen, Vesa
Conference name: International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics
Publication year: 2024
Journal: AHFE International
Book title : Human Factors, Business Management and Society: Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics and the Affiliated Conferences, Nice, France 24-27 July 2024
Volume: 135
First page : 257
Last page: 267
ISBN: 978-1-964867-11-3
eISSN: 2771-0718
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1004952
Web address : https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1004952
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/478042172
Over the past decade Virtual reality (VR) technology has become more readily available. Although VR still suffers from inducing simulation sickness and having cumbersome controllers, industrial companies have embraced the technology as an alternative to overly complex and expensive simulators. A primary pedagogical consideration for effective VR training is feedback. While research has proven the positive training impact of feedback over having no feedback, very few studies explore techniques to help pinpoint the exact training outcomes that require feedback in a VR training simulator. This study illustrates how collecting human interaction metrics data from a VR fire extinguisher training application without a feedback mechanism can identify the areas where feedback for effective training is most required. We conducted a descriptive comparison study with 36 participants. We collected and analysed the participants’ VR interaction data across nine validated metrics and compared the results to their practical fire extinguishing evaluation on the same metrics. Our results show that the interaction data from the VR application presents curious behaviour regarding the distance participants kept between themselves and the fire, and their regard for wind direction when approaching the fire. The same elements surfaced in the practical evaluation. We conclude that collecting and analysing metrics from a VR training application is a suitable technique for identifying training aspects or outcomes that require a feedback mechanism.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
Funding information in the publication:
The authors would like to acknowledge Business Finland for funding the Virtual Training Certifications project being led by TUAS. We also wish to thank the Futuristic Interactive Technologies development engineers and student assistants who worked on creating the application, as well as our project consortium partners, in particular Kiwa and Ade Oy, for their valuable insight and reference material throughout the research process. Finally, thank you to the research participants who willingly gave their time and effort to join this study.