Identification of metaphors for virtual environment training systems

    Authors

    K. M. Stanney; J. L. Chen; B. Wedell;R. Breaux

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Ergonomics

    Keywords

    metaphor; virtual environments; navigation; wayfinding; COMPUTING SYSTEMS; HYPERTEXT; Engineering, Industrial; Ergonomics; Psychology, Applied; Psychology

    Abstract

    The objective of this effort was to develop potential metaphors for assisting wayfinding and navigation in current virtual environment (VE) training systems. Although VE purports a number of advantages over traditional, full-scale simulator training devices (deployability, footprint, cost, maintainability, scalability, networking), little design guidance exists beyond individual instantiations with specific platforms. A review of metaphors commonly incorporated into human-computer interactive systems indicated that existing metaphors have largely been used as orientation aids, mainly in the form of guided navigational assistance, with some position guidance. Advanced metaphor design concepts were identified that would not only provide trainees with a useful orienting framework but also enhance visual access and help differentiate an environment. The effectiveness of these concepts to aid navigation and wayfinding in VEs must be empirically validated.

    Journal Title

    Ergonomics

    Volume

    46

    Issue/Number

    1-3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2003

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    197

    Last Page

    219

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000180297400014

    ISSN

    0014-0139

    Share

    COinS