"Virtual reality nature as our next retreat?": User experience testing of a simulated natural environment in virtual reality

Abstract

In this article, we present the initial user experience test results of an experiment conducted in an interactive natural environment created in virtual reality (VR). The computer-generated (CG) VR application, entitled Zenctuary VR, was designed with the intention of giving the users a pleasant experience with the benefits of easing anxiety symptoms, boosting positive feelings and lowering negative ones, thus having a restorative effect. For this, we designed a graphically high-resolution, natural environment with playful interactions. The testing was conducted with adults diagnosed with attentional deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and with a neurotypical control group in order to investigate whether the ADHD group experiences the app differently from the latter group and to enhance its effectiveness specifically for individuals with ADHD. While the assessed scales for presence, immersion, feeling of flow, gained skills, usability, and judgment did not differ between the two groups, overall their evaluations of the experience and the software application were favorable. We also gathered insightful comments on the application's shortcomings, which will enable us to improve it and make it more enjoyable and ultimately more beneficial for the users.