A Real-World Grounded Usability Evaluation of VR Interaction Techniques Across Discrete, Spatial, and Continuous Tasks

With the growing use of virtual reality (VR), interaction techniques need to be evaluated across different task demands and in relation to real-world performance. This study compares four VR interaction techniques—Direct Controller, Hand Tracking, Raycasting, and Wrist Rotation—across discrete (text typing), spatial (tangram manipulation), and continuous (slider control) tasks. Twenty participants completed corresponding tasks in both real-world and VR environments. Task completion time and three questionnaires—the Reality-Comparison Questionnaire (RCQ), Technique-Appropriateness Assessment Questionnaire (TAAQ), and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ)—were used to assess performance and user experience. Participant-level repeated-measures ANOVAs and Holm-adjusted paired tests were conducted. The results showed task-dependent differences among interaction techniques. Direct Controller was faster than Hand Tracking and Raycasting for tangram manipulation, while their typing-time differences were not significant after correction. Direct Controller also received higher agency ratings than Raycasting in typing and tangram. Raycasting had the lowest mean slider completion time, although its difference from Wrist Rotation was not significant after correction, while Wrist Rotation was also associated with higher physical fatigue. Hand Tracking received higher immersion and embodiment ratings than Raycasting in typing and tangram but showed longer completion times in the continuous task. Overall, the findings indicate that interaction performance and user experience vary with task characteristics, highlighting the importance of task-aware selection of VR interaction techniques.