Object selection in virtual environments performance, usability and interaction with spatial abilities

Abstract

We investigate the influence of users' spatial orien ta tion and space relations ability on performance with six different interaction methods for object selection in virtual environments. Three interaction methods are operated with a mouse, three with a data glove. Results show that mouse based inter action methods perform better compared to data glove based methods. Usability ratings reinforce these findings. However, performance with the mouse based methods appears to be independent from users' spatial abilities, whereas data glove based methods are not. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.