Abstract for HONS 02/14
Investigating the Usability of the Leap Motion Controller: Gesture-Based Interaction with a 3D Virtual Environment
Anthony Bracegirdle
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering
University of Canterbury
Abstract
The Intelligent Tutoring Group at the University of Canterbury has created a 3D virtual
environment for stroke rehabilitation, specifically, training the prospective memory in a
safe and familiar setting. This honours project involved the creation of a gesture-based
interface via the Leap Motion for navigation and interaction within this environment, in
the 3D game creation engine Unity. A study was undertaken in which 30 participants used
the Leap Motion to interface with the environment with different modes of interaction and
data was gathered from their performance as well as from a questionnaire they completed.
Feedback from the study has been positive with many participants claiming this form of
control to be more user friendly and intuitive than more traditional devices. The data
collected suggests that certain modes of gesture-based navigation and interaction are better
suited for interaction with the environment.
