User Experience of 3D Map Navigation – Bare-Hand Interaction or Touchable Device?

Abstract

New tracking technologies allow users to interact with digital systems in a more naturalistic way, while touchable interfaces represent a more precise but also less direct interaction. In this study, example devices for each of these interaction styles were compared in terms of their suitability for free navigation in a 3D Map. Efficiency, subjective attractiveness ratings and joy-of-use based on displayed emotions in differently complex tasks were measured. We focused on users without prior experience with both respective devices, allowing insights on first impressions and unbiased interaction. Our results showed higher joy-of-use and better efficiency in an easy navigation task for bare-hand interaction. Interestingly efficiency also improved for more complex tasks, after participants first worked with a touchable interface.