The effects of weight on comfort of virtual reality devices

Abstract

With the development of technology, the virtual reality (VR) headsets are widely accepted and used for leisure activities and training. However, research about the comfort of the VR headsets was rarely done. The study investigated the relationships between weight of VR headsets and subjective discomfort and pressure load on the head. One-way within-subject ANOVA was conducted to test statistical differences of subjective discomfort scores and pressure loads against weight. In all three types of VR headsets, the overall subjective discomfort and pressure loads are increasing with weight. Generally, the lower weight made users feel better when wearing VR devices. Meanwhile, the integrated head-wear headset felt more comfortable than the soft belts headset as a whole. Some suggestions about improving comfort of VR device is presented.