The Effect of Infinity on Immersion in Virtual Exhibitions

This study delves into the concept of "infinity" within head-mounted display (HMD) virtual reality (VR) exhibitions. In this study, "infinity" is defined as an endless space and a boundless scope of virtual experience and interactions. We investigate how this expansive interpretation creates a unique and special exhibition experience that distinguishes virtual exhibitions from physical exhibitions. To this end, the study examines the effects of the spatial and participatory characteristics of virtual exhibitions on immersion, cybersickness, completion time, and interaction time. The experiment was conducted through surveys, behavioral observations, and interviews. The results showed that infinity of spatial characteristics increased participants' immersion. While participatory characteristics had no direct effect on immersion, there was a significant interaction between spatial and participatory characteristics. The 3D (space) surrounded by walls and create (participation), which allows participants to create their own exhibits, was the only combination that decreased immersion and increased cybersickness. The combination with the highest immersion was "3D infinite (space)" and "change (participation)," indicating that a design that allows users to interact with the exhibition in an infinite space is useful for promoting immersion in virtual exhibitions. Adjusting the proportion of spatial and participatory characteristics according to the purpose of the exhibition is recommended since infinity of spatial characteristics increases interaction time and infinity of participatory characteristics significantly increases completion time. The results of this study have practical implications for organizations developing virtual exhibitions and shed light on the value of infinity-based virtual exhibitions and the specific elements that make them possible.