Title

Identification of metaphors for virtual environment training systems

Authors

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

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