Exploring 3D navigation: combining speed-coupled flying with orbiting

We present a task-based taxonomy of navigation techniques for 3D virtual environments, used to categorize existing techniques, drive exploration of the design space, and inspire new techniques. We briefly discuss several new techniques, and describe in detail one new technique, Speed-coupled Flying with Orbiting. This technique couples control of movement speed to camera height and tilt, allowing users to seamlessly transition between local environment-views and global overviews. Users can also orbit specific objects for inspection. Results from two competitive user studies suggest users performed better with Speed-coupled Flying with Orbiting over alternatives, with performance also enhanced by a large display. Keywords Egocentric navigation, 3D virtual environments, user studies, interaction techniques

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2001
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Desney S. Tan, George G. Robertson, Mary Czerwinski
• Keywords: CHI 2001, Human Computer Interaction, Keywords Egocentric Navigation, Navigation Techniques, Studies Suggest Users