Spatial user experience in VR narrative systems: A taxonomy from scoping review

Huang, Xinyu and Johnes, Kathryn 2025. Spatial user experience in VR narrative systems: A taxonomy from scoping review. Presented at: 38th International BCS Human-Computer Interaction Conference, Cardiff, 9–11 November 2025. BCS HCI '25: Proceedings of the 38th International BCS Human-Computer Interaction Conference. pp. 605-612. 10.14236/ewic/BCSHCI2025.68

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Abstract

This study aims to develop a taxonomy of space-related user experiences in virtual reality narrative (VRN) environments. While VR research increasingly emphasizes immersion and interaction, space is seldom conceptualized as an active experiential medium. Our taxonomy addresses this gap. Adopting Nickerson’s taxonomy development method, this research employs a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR framework to identify and synthesize 85 relevant studies. Through six iterative cycles combining empirical- to-conceptual and conceptual-to-empirical strategies, we developed a taxonomy of seven dimensions and fifteen characteristics, clarifying how spatial design influences embodied, emotional, and cognitive aspects of narrative experience. It addresses key theoretical gaps by clarifying the diversity of space-related experiences and identifying underrepresented design elements such as narrative comprehension, memory recall, and audience-specific engagement. The taxonomy is intended to support researchers and designers to enhance the understanding and design of VR narrative systems through a spatial lens.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Computer Science & Informatics
ISSN:	1477-9358
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 January 2026
Last Modified:	14 Jan 2026 14:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183899

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