Text Input in Virtual Reality: A Preliminary Evaluation of the Drum-Like VR Keyboard

The drum-like virtual reality (VR) keyboard is a contemporary, controller-based interface for text input in VR that uses a drum set metaphor. The controllers are used as sticks which, through downward movements, “press„ the keys of the virtual keyboard. In this work, a preliminar...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Costas Boletsis, Stian Kongsvik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2019-04-01
Series:Technologies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/7/2/31
Description
Summary:The drum-like virtual reality (VR) keyboard is a contemporary, controller-based interface for text input in VR that uses a drum set metaphor. The controllers are used as sticks which, through downward movements, “press„ the keys of the virtual keyboard. In this work, a preliminary feasibility study of the drum-like VR keyboard is described, focusing on the text entry rate and accuracy as well as its usability and the user experience it offers. Seventeen participants evaluated the drum-like VR keyboard by having a typing session and completing a usability and a user experience questionnaire. The interface achieved a good usability score, positive experiential feedback around its entertaining and immersive qualities, a satisfying text entry rate (24.61 words-per-minute), as well as moderate-to-high total error rate (7.2%) that can probably be further improved in future studies. The work provides strong indications that the drum-like VR keyboard can be an effective and entertaining way to type in VR.
ISSN:2227-7080