An Immersive Layout Framework for Web Design in Virtual Reality

Abstract

In recent years, many consumer-grade VR devices have emerged, and VR devices have the potential to become the next generation of terminals for visiting websites. Compared to traditional PC and mobile devices, VR moves away from the desktop concept and can show information in a 3D environment. This two-dimensional to three-dimensional transformation means that website layouts, media content, and interactions can make the user experience more immersive. Currently, VR users can visit websites through built-in or third-party browsers, but most website content and UI visuals are consistent with the desktop version instead of the VR version. The website has no separate visual and interactive designs for VR devices. Therefore, this paper analyzes the design elements from three aspects: spatial layout design of website hierarchical structures, presentation of multimedia contents, and interaction modes, and proposes a VR website design framework based on the fan-shaped layout using the spatial depth cue. Based on this design framework, we built a prototype of the VR version of the website in the context of the online museum website of intangible cultural heritage in Yunnan Province. We provided a reference for spatial layout and visual style design for developing the VR website.