Virtual and augmented reality as spatial ability training tools

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR – overlaying virtual objects onto the real world) offer interesting and wide spread possibilities to study different components of human behaviour and cognitive processes. One aspect of human cognition that has been frequently studied using VR technology is spatial ability. Research ranges from training studies that investigate whether and/or how spatial ability can be improved by using these new technologies to studies that focus on specific aspects of spatial ability for which VR is an efficient investigational tool. In this paper we first review studies that used VR technologies to study different aspects of spatial ability. Then results and findings will be presented from one of the first large-scale studies (215 students) that investigated the potential of an AR application to train spatial ability. Author Keywords Virtual reality, augmented reality, spatial ability, training. ACM Classification Keywords H5.m. Information interface...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: CHINZ
• Authors: Andreas Dünser, Karin Steinbügl, Hannes Kaufmann, Judith Glück
• Keywords: Augmented Reality, CHINZ 2006, Human Computer Interaction, Spatial Ability, Virtual Reality