Virtual reality-induced symptoms and effects (VRISE)

An experimental program of research was carried out to assess the potential health and safety effects of participating in virtual environments (VEs) v ia head-mounted displays (HMDs). This paper presents the results obtained f rom nine experiments examining the effects experienced during and after par ticipation in a variety of VR systems, VE designs, and task requirements, f or a total participant sample of 148 individuals. A combination of methods including self-report scales, performance measures, physiological indicator s, observation, interview, and user attitude/opinion questionnaires were us ed to measure simulator (VE) sickness, postural instability, psychomotor co ntrol, perceptual judgment, concentration, stress, and ergonomics effects. Greatest effects across the different systems, VEs, and exposure times were found for sickness symptoms and physiological measures, with some concern over postural instability and physical ergonomics, also. Although many of t he effects were relatively minor and short lived, they were serious for fiv e percent of participants and irritating for a considerable percentage more . The aetiology of the effects is sufficiently different to that for simula tors or transport systems to justify us using a new term, virtual reality-i nduced symptoms and effects (VRISE). Implications are drawn for VR system d esign, VE specification, and the ways in which industrial use of VR/VE shou ld be planned and supported.