Interaction techniques for virtual reality based automotive design reviews

The exterior design is one of the most important selling propositions in the automotive premium market. Because of progressing digitization in the automotive industry, it is increasingly assessed using virtual 3D models. In this context, Virtual Reality (VR) is a key technology of continuously growing importance. However, complicated interaction in VR proves to be a major drawback in industrial settings. In this paper, we report insights of our approach aiming at appropriate VR interaction techniques supporting designers, engineers, and management executives optimally in design assessment. Six interaction techniques, two speech-based, two gesture-based, and two touch-based variants, were conceptualized, implemented as prototypes, and evaluated in a user study in terms of Usability, User Experience, Intuitiveness and Task Load. Twenty-four subjects tested and rated the six variants in a within-subjects experimental design. The variants utilizing (1) direct interaction on a touchscreen and (2) gesture control by natural body movements were rated best by the participants. Speech input in contrast showed significantly lower ratings. We conclude that the acceptance of VR in automotive styling could be facilitated by applying the two best rated interaction techniques.