Adaptive and Context-Aware Spatially Distributed UIs for MR Environments

PhD Research Proposal

Virtual Reality (VR) is evolving beyond fully immersive experiences towards Mixed Reality (MR), seamlessly blending virtual and real-world elements. This shift presents unprecedented opportunities for user interaction, moving beyond the constraints of traditional 2D screens. A key challenge lies in effectively adapting existing user interface (UI) paradigms, originally designed for flat displays, to these immersive and spatially aware environments. This research proposes to investigate novel approaches for creating adaptive and context-aware spatially distributed user interfaces in hybrid VR, focusing on how traditional UI elements can be intelligently arranged and interacted with within the user’s physical space to enhance usability, efficiency, and user experience.

Scholarships available

https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/359396

https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/359736

Motivation and Problem Statement

Current VR interfaces often mimic traditional 2D interfaces rendered on virtual screens, failing to fully leverage the spatial affordances of immersive environments. While some applications explore native 3D UIs, a vast amount of existing digital content and established interaction patterns are rooted in 2D design (e.g., web pages, application windows). Simply porting these interfaces to VR often results in cumbersome and inefficient experiences.

The core problem this research addresses is how to effectively adapt and distribute traditional 2D UI elements within a user’s physical space in a context-aware manner within MR. This includes determining optimal spatial layouts, developing intuitive interaction techniques for these distributed interfaces, and understanding the impact on user experience and cognitive load. Furthermore, the interface needs to be adaptive, responding to changes in user context, task demands, and the physical environment to provide a seamless and efficient experience.

Possible Research Questions

This research aims to answer the following key questions:

  • Spatial Layout Strategies: What are effective computational strategies and design principles for spatially laying out traditional 2D UI elements in a 3D physical space to optimize for usability, readability, and user comfort in MR? How do factors like perceived size, distance, orientation, and occlusion management influence user performance and preference?
  • Interaction Paradigms for Spatially Distributed UIs: How can users effectively interact with spatially distributed 2D UIs in MR using various input modalities (e.g., hand tracking, controllers, gaze, voice)? What novel interaction techniques are required for common tasks like navigation, selection, and manipulation of content across these distributed surfaces?
  • Contextual Adaptation of Spatial Layout and Interaction: How can the system intelligently determine where and how to place and adapt the behavior of traditional UI elements based on real-time user context (e.g., task, location, gaze, physical environment understanding)? Can machine learning techniques predict optimal spatial arrangements and interaction methods?
  • User Experience and Cognitive Load in Spatially Distributed UI: What are the user experience implications (e.g., presence, immersion, comfort, fatigue) and the impact on cognitive load when interacting with spatially distributed traditional UIs in MR compared to traditional VR interfaces or desktop environments?
  • Design Guidelines and Frameworks: Based on empirical investigation, what design guidelines and potentially a conceptual framework can be developed for adapting and spatially distributing traditional 2D UIs in MR environments to maximize usability and user experience?

Proposed Research Methodology

This research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The methodology will involve the following phases:

  • Phase 1: Literature Review and Conceptual Framework Development: A comprehensive review of existing literature on VR/AR/MR interfaces, spatial user interfaces, 3D UI design, adaptation of 2D interfaces, context-aware computing, and human factors in immersive environments. This will inform the development of a conceptual framework for adaptive and context-aware spatially distributed UIs in MR.
  • Phase 2: Design and Prototyping: The design and development of several prototype MR applications featuring spatially distributed traditional UI elements (e.g., web browsers, document viewers, application windows). This phase will explore different spatial layout algorithms, interaction techniques, and context-aware adaptation strategies. Various input modalities will be considered.
  • Phase 3: User Studies and Evaluation: Conducting a series of controlled user studies to evaluate the usability, efficiency, and user experience of the developed prototypes. These studies will involve both quantitative measures (e.g., task completion time, error rates, subjective workload) and qualitative data (e.g., user interviews, questionnaires, think-aloud protocols). Comparative studies against traditional VR interfaces or desktop paradigms may be included.
  • Phase 4: Data Analysis and Model Refinement: Analyzing the collected quantitative and qualitative data to identify key findings, patterns, and insights. This will involve statistical analysis of performance data and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback. The conceptual framework and design principles will be refined based on the empirical results.
  • Phase 5: Guideline Generation and Dissemination: Based on the research findings, developing a set of design guidelines and potentially a more formal framework for adapting and spatially distributing traditional 2D UIs in MR. The research outcomes will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Work Plan (Example – 4 Year PhD)

  • Year 1: Comprehensive literature review, development of the conceptual framework, identification of initial design concepts, and preliminary prototyping of basic spatial layout and interaction techniques.
  • Year 2: Development of more sophisticated prototypes incorporating context-aware adaptation strategies. Design and pilot testing of initial user study protocols.
  • Year 3: Conducting the main user studies to evaluate the developed prototypes. Data collection and initial analysis.
  • Year 4: In-depth data analysis, refinement of design guidelines and the conceptual framework, writing and submission of research publications, and thesis preparation.

Expected Contributions

This research is expected to contribute to the field of Human-Computer Interaction and Virtual/Mixed Reality by:

  • Providing novel design principles and strategies for effectively adapting and spatially distributing traditional 2D UIs in MR environments.
  • Developing and evaluating innovative interaction techniques for engaging with these spatially distributed interfaces.
  • Contributing to a deeper understanding of the impact of spatial distribution and context-awareness on user experience and cognitive load in VR.
  • Creating a conceptual framework and practical guidelines that can inform the design of future MR applications and user interfaces.
  • Advancing the state-of-the-art in leveraging the spatial affordances of XR for more intuitive and efficient user interaction with existing digital content.