Understanding Sickness and Emotional Experiences in 360 Degree VR Motion Simulators

Abstract

Simulating real-life scenarios for training and entertainment purposes in Virtual Reality (VR) is more realistic than ever before. Currently available VR head-mounted displays are unable to match movements in VR simulations to real physical movements effectively. Eight360’s Nova Device is a 360-degree VR motion simulator which physically moves its user in time with their virtual movement in VR simulations. The Nova brings to light new unknowns on whether 360-degree motion simulation adversely affects VR motion sickness (cybersickness). This project developed a spaceship flight simulation game for the Nova to evaluate motion sickness symptoms. A user study was conducted to evaluate the symptoms experienced and to better understand the causes and effects of these symptoms to inform future design of VR simulations and 360-degree motion simulators.