State-Based Persistence

Core Behaviour

Logic

Time-sensitive prompts and instructions can create anxiety and cognitive overload for users, especially those with slower processing speeds or who are new to VR. By allowing critical information to persist on the screen until the user has acknowledged it or completed the required action, we can reduce stress and improve comprehension.

Addresses

Slow processing speeds, missed instructions due to auto-dismissal, and anxiety caused by time-sensitive prompts.

Implementation Specification

Instructional text and critical prompts remain visible indefinitely until the user performs the specific required action or manually dismisses them. Timers are removed from all non-gameplay critical instructions. For example, tutorial objectives will stay on the screen until the user completes the task, and safety warnings will remain until acknowledged. This approach ensures that users have ample time to read and understand instructions at their own pace, reducing cognitive load and improving accessibility for users with varying processing speeds.

Interaction Patterns

The Current Step HUD relies on State-Based Persistence to ensure objective text remains visible until the task is complete.

The Neutral Buffer Zone uses State-Based Persistence to keep the user informed of their location and orientation until they have safely reoriented themselves.

The Linear Flow System requires State-Based Persistence to prevent tutorial steps from advancing before the user is ready.

Accessibility Barriers

Cognitive Load, Sequencing & Predictibility/Pressure-Free Interaction: By allowing critical information to persist on the screen until the user has acknowledged it or completed the required action, we can reduce stress and improve comprehension, creating a more pressure-free interaction experience.