Hands vs. Controllers: Comparing User Interactions in Virtual Reality Shopping Environments

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) enables users to experience real-life situations in immersive environments. Interaction methods significantly shape user experience, particularly in high-fidelity simulations mimicking real-world tasks. This study evaluates two primary VR interaction techniques—hand-based and controller-based—through virtual shopping tasks in a simulated supermarket with 40 participants. Hand-based interaction was preferred for its natural, immersive qualities and alignment with real-world gestures but faced usability challenges, including limited haptic feedback and grasping inefficiencies. In contrast, controller-based interaction offered greater precision and reliability, making it more suitable for tasks requiring fine motor skills.

BibTeX

@inproceedings{voigtantons2025c86,
  author    = {Vona, F. and Schorlemmer, J. and Hinzmann, S. and Stemann, J. and Fischer, S. and Voigt-Antons, J.-N.},
  title     = {Hands vs. Controllers: Comparing User Interactions in Virtual Reality Shopping Environments},
  year      = {2025},
  booktitle = {Paper presented at the IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (IEEE VR 2025), Saint-Malo, France},
  doi       = {10.1109/VRW66409.2025.00396},
}