Virtual Reality and Motion Sickness: Finding Solutions

“Motion sickness in VR is like seasickness on land. It is a mismatch between what you see and what you feel.” — Jeremy Bailenson, Founding Director of the Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University

Virtual Reality (VR) is amazing. It’s transforming the way we experience the world, from gaming to education, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. But, as with any new technology, there are a few hiccups along the way. I’ve experienced this first-hand with VR’s most common side effect, motion sickness.

Despite this minor inconvenience, I believe the benefits of VR far outweigh any challenges. The ability to be transported to new and exciting places, to explore and experience things in a way that was never before possible, is truly revolutionary. I can’t wait to see where VR takes us in the future.

What is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is a condition that occurs when the body is subjected to conflicting signals from the inner ear, eyes, and other sensory systems. When these signals are mismatched, the brain becomes confused, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and disorientation. Motion sickness can be triggered by a variety of factors, including riding in a moving vehicle, playing video games, or using VR technology.

How Does VR Cause Motion Sickness?

The reason why VR can cause motion sickness is because of the way it affects our sensory systems. In a virtual reality environment, our eyes are exposed to visual cues that suggest we are moving, even though our bodies are stationary. This can confuse the brain and lead to feelings of disorientation, which can quickly escalate into motion sickness.

There are also other factors that can contribute to VR-related motion sickness, including:

Latency

Latency refers to the time lag between the user’s movements and the corresponding visual cues on the screen. The longer the latency, the greater the risk of motion sickness.

Field of view

The field of view in VR can have a big impact on motion sickness. If the field of view is too narrow, it can lead to feelings of claustrophobia, which can cause motion sickness. On the other hand, if the field of view is too wide, it can lead to visual overload, which can also contribute to motion sickness.

Movement

The way that movement is portrayed in VR can also have an impact on motion sickness. If the movements are jerky or unpredictable, it can lead to disorientation and motion sickness.

How Can We Prevent Motion Sickness in VR?

There are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of motion sickness when using VR technology. Here are some of the most effective ones:

Reduce latency

Reducing the latency between the user’s movements and the corresponding visual cues on the screen can help reduce the risk of motion sickness. This can be achieved by optimizing the VR system’s hardware and software.

Adjust the field of view

Adjusting the field of view in VR can help reduce the risk of motion sickness. By finding the right balance between the field of view and the visual cues, it is possible to reduce the risk of disorientation and motion sickness.

Avoid jerky movements

Jerky movements can be a major cause of motion sickness in VR. To reduce the risk of motion sickness, it is important to make sure that the movements in VR are smooth and predictable.

Take breaks

Taking regular breaks during VR sessions can help reduce the risk of motion sickness. By taking a break and giving the brain a chance to reset, it is possible to reduce the risk of disorientation and motion sickness.

Conclusion

Motion sickness is a common issue with VR technology, but it is not an insurmountable problem. By understanding the causes of motion sickness and taking steps to prevent it, it is possible to enjoy all the benefits of VR without having to worry about the negative effects. Whether you’re using VR for gaming, education, or any other purpose, there are strategies that can help you stay comfortable and avoid motion sickness.