Is it getting hot in here? The effects of VR headset microclimate temperature on perceived thermal discomfort, VR sickness, and skin temperature.

Thermal discomfort is a driver of negative user experiences with modern VR headsets since they are similar to head-worn gaming computers. Here, we examined the effect of microclimate temperature (MCT; i.e., the air between headset and user) and the effect of standing and seated use on thermal discomfort for a goggle style headset. Users played VR games across three 48-min sessions with different thermal profiles ranging between 28°–43 °C. Perceived thermal and weight discomfort were rated by participants every 12-min. Thermal, but not weight comfort declined during the study period as MCT increased. Users sweat more and had greater forehead temperatures while standing with the lowest thermal profile, suggesting thermal management is more critical for active experiences. Overall, this study recommends MCT should be kept below 36 °C. Finally design for thermal comfort should be tailored to the individual, experience duration and activity level. • Thermal discomfort is an important design factor for VR headsets. • Microclimate temperatures above 36 °C decrease user discomfort. • Lower microclimate temperatures should be a target for active or roomscale experiences. • Headset cleanability is important as increased temperatures drove increased sweating. • Monitoring user skin and microclimate temperature or humidity may help users identify optimal times for rest breaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]