Visual Complexity in VR: Implications for Cognitive Load

Maximilian Rettinger, Xuefei Jiang, Jiaxin Yang, Gerhard Rigoll

Abstract: Given the potential of Virtual Reality for education and training, it is essential to implement it as effectively as possible. For this reason, we investigate the impact of virtual environments with different complexity levels on the cognitive load. We compare the methods 1) No-Room, 2) Empty-Room, 3) Filled-Room, and 4) Animated-Room. In a within-subjects study (n = 40), participants completed a letter recall and a mental rotation task to assess the cognitive load. The results show significant differences in the letter recall task, indicating that the cognitive load is also lower in the rooms with less complexity.