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Designing for Wayfinding in VR: Linking Navigation Interfaces to
Spatial Learning and Cognitive Mapping

Overview:

Various virtual locomotion techniques and visual transition methods are used in VR-based navigation research, yet few studies have systematically examined their effects on spatial learning, cognitive map formation, and navigational performance in complex indoor environments. We conducted a between-subjects study (N=142)

in two high-fidelity VR hospital contexts, including free exploration and task-based wayfinding, while treating locomotion and viewpoint transitions as experimental factors. Spatial learning was measured through pointing, distance estimation, and sketch-map accuracy; performance was measured through completion time and

distance traveled; and experience was measured through cybersickness, perceived presence, and usability. Locomotion techniques affected task completion time, with teleportation associated with faster performance in the task-based context. Spatial learning effects were mixed, with patterns indicating that techniques without

viewpoint transitions may better support cognitive mapping. Empirical insights and guidelines are provided to improve the reliability and real-world applicability of VR-based wayfinding research.

Research Team:

Armin Mostafavi, Zhiwen Qiu, Tong Bill Xu, Wenqian Niu, Saleh Kalantari

Year:

January 1, 2026

Publication:

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