Examining dual-task interference effects of visual and auditory perceptual load in virtual reality

Immersive environments often require users to perform tasks that vary in sensory modality and processing demands. Dual-task interference arises when such tasks are performed concurrently, often leading to performance declines and safety risks in applied settings. Yet, it remains unclear how perceptual load and task type jointly shape such interference in virtual reality (VR). To address this gap, we examined intramodal and crossmodal effects of visual and auditory load on dual-task interference in a VR dual-task paradigm. Participants performed a continuous visual tracking task while concurrently completing auditory detection tasks of two types: spatial and object-based. Results showed that perceptual load and task type differentially influenced intramodal interference, with stronger effects in the auditory detection task. Contrary to predictions, no crossmodal interference was observed, suggesting a degree of independence between vision and audition. These findings provide valuable insights for VR interface designers on how to present multimodal content in VR environments, which has implications on user safety and efficacy.