Motion sickness

Definition

Motion sickness is a condition characterized by symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and disorientation that occur when there is a disconnect between the visual input and the vestibular system in the inner ear. This condition often arises in environments involving motion, such as vehicles, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) experiences, where discrepancies between expected and actual sensory input can lead to discomfort for users.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motion sickness is particularly relevant in AR and VR design because it can significantly impact user experience and immersion.
2. Designers can minimize motion sickness by ensuring that visual movements in AR and VR align closely with real-world physics and user expectations.
3. Certain individuals are more prone to motion sickness due to factors like genetics, age, and prior experiences with similar environments.
4. Techniques to alleviate motion sickness include adjusting frame rates, reducing latency, and providing a stable reference point in the visual field.
5. Understanding motion sickness is essential for creating effective training simulations, as it can impact learning outcomes if users feel discomfort or distraction.

Review Questions

• How does the vestibular system contribute to the experience of motion sickness in virtual reality environments?
  • The vestibular system helps maintain balance and spatial orientation by processing information about motion from the inner ear. In virtual reality environments, if the visual cues do not match what the vestibular system senses—like when users see rapid movement on-screen but remain still—the brain becomes confused. This disconnect can lead to symptoms of motion sickness as the body reacts to conflicting signals about movement.
• What design strategies can be implemented in augmented reality applications to reduce the likelihood of users experiencing motion sickness?
  • To reduce motion sickness in augmented reality applications, designers can implement strategies like ensuring smooth transitions and aligning visual movements with realistic physics. Incorporating elements like stationary reference points can help ground users and provide context for their movements. Additionally, maintaining high frame rates and minimizing latency are crucial to creating a seamless experience that prevents discomfort.
• Evaluate how understanding sensory conflict theory can improve AR and VR experiences for users susceptible to motion sickness.
  • Understanding sensory conflict theory allows designers to anticipate potential sources of discomfort by recognizing how mismatched sensory inputs can trigger motion sickness. By applying this knowledge, designers can create experiences that harmonize visual cues with physical sensations, reducing the likelihood of conflict. This leads to more enjoyable and immersive experiences for users who are susceptible to motion sickness, ultimately enhancing their engagement and effectiveness in both entertainment and training applications.

Related terms

Vestibular System: The sensory system responsible for providing the brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation, playing a critical role in balance.

Sensory Conflict Theory: A theory explaining motion sickness that occurs when there is a mismatch between visual and vestibular information, causing confusion in the brain.

Simulator Sickness: A specific type of motion sickness experienced while using simulation devices, such as VR headsets, where users may experience symptoms like nausea and disorientation.