Factors of cybersickness

Abstract

As virtual reality (VR) applications expand in private and public sector contexts, so do reports of sickness elicited within VR systems. Users of head mounted VR displays frequently report symptoms similar, but not identical, to those of motion sickness and simulator sickness. Because of this distinction, the symptoms are collectively classified as symptoms of cybersickness. While researchers and tech developers alike acknowledge VR’s propensity for inducing cybersickness, there is no symptom prediction tool. The present paper describes a research agenda which will culminate in a cybsersickness prediction tool. First, the authors clarify nomenclature relevant to the VR, virtual environments (VE), and cybersickness. The preliminary literature review resulted in a test Cybersickness Index Matrix (CIM), with three cybersickness trigger categories: System, Task, Individual Differences. Researchers conducted a validation test of the CIM in a pilot study conducted in conjunction with an energy industry training program. The paper presents those preliminary results and provides a discussion including CIM refinement and future implementation potential.