Accessing effects of various depth-cue combinations on hand control movement in a virtual environment

Abstract

To assess the effect of depth cues on hand-control movements in a virtual environment, Fitts’ law has been commonly used. However, Fitts’ law has the limitation of effectively discriminating how the depth cue independently affects performance of speed and accuracy. Hence, this study aimed at testing the ballistic movement method for assessing the effects of depth cues. Six participants performed ballistic movements in six scene settings manipulated with three depth cues, comprising background gradient, shadows, and drop line. These ballistic movements were performed with six distances and in six movement directions. The results showed that scene had no significant effect on ballistic movement properties, comprising movement time, constant errors, and variable errors. The ballistic movement method was helpful for assessing the effects of movement directions. Future research should measure the time before executing ballistic movements to verify if different scenes have effects on the corrective reaction time.