| The intent of this study was to determine how blindfolded participants perceive shape in a virtual environment and to determine if haptic cues can be used for spatial shape recognition and navigation through the use of geon based shapes. Participants were randomly assigned to three conditions: haptics/ sound, haptics, and sound. The participants ranged from 18-50 years of age with 88% being 18-30 years old. Fifty-three percent were female and 47% were male. Regardless of the type of cueing, 42% of participants selected the correct shape after a 7-9 minute interaction in a virtual environment while blindfolded. In addition, 91% of the participants did not have prior haptic experience. Some results did suggest that haptic and sound feedback may be necessary for active spatial perception of virtual shape to occur and might be a precursor to understanding more complex shape. |
