How Close Is Too Close? Exploring the Impact of Avatar Proximity on User Experience in Collaborative Augmented and Virtual Reality

Interpersonal distance is a cornerstone of proxemics, yet little is known about how established spatial norms translate into immersive collaborative environments. This paper presents a controlled within-subjects study involving 22 participants that investigates the effects of avatar proximity across Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Three interpersonal distances (0 cm, 45 cm, and 120 cm) were systematically compared. Participants performed collaborative puzzle-solving tasks under each condition. We assessed perceived workload (NASA-TLX), spatial presence (IPQ), user experience (UEQ-S), and cybersickness (CSQ-VR). Results indicate a medium-dependent asymmetry in proxemic perception. In VR, the borderline intimate-personal distance (45 cm) significantly increased mental and temporal workload, while also enhancing involvement. In contrast, the same distance in AR was perceived as comfortable and socially engaging, without increased cognitive demand. Overall user experience remained largely stable across conditions in both media. These findings provide exploratory yet actionable evidence that proxemic effects in XR are medium-sensitive rather than universal. The results suggest that interpersonal distance cannot be transferred directly between VR and AR design contexts and highlight the need for medium-specific spatial design guidelines for collaborative immersive systems.

Recommended citation: Vona, F., Amer, M., Abdellatif, O., Stern, M., Moreira, C. P., Jorge, J. & Voigt-Antons, J.-N. (2026, June). How Close Is Too Close? Exploring the Impact of Avatar Proximity on User Experience in Collaborative Augmented and Virtual Reality. Paper presented at the 18th International Conference on Quality of Multimedia Experience (QoMEX 2026), Cardiff, UK.