Evaluating Usability and User Experience in a Virtual Reality-Based Driving Simulation


Pamuk B. K., Sahin A. S., Cankaya S. O., Tavus G., ASANA E., TOPALLI D., ...Daha Fazla

5th International Conference on Informatics and Software Engineering, IISEC 2026, Ankara, Türkiye, 5 - 06 Şubat 2026, ss.667-671, (Tam Metin Bildiri) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1109/iisec69317.2026.11418461
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.667-671
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: driving simulation, human-computer interaction, usability, user experience, Virtual reality
  • Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Virtual reality (VR) technologies have increasingly been adopted in driving simulation systems due to their potential to provide safe, immersive, and cost-effective environments for training and experiential learning. This study evaluates the usability and user experience of a VR-based driving simulation environment using a mixed-methods approach. An experimental study was conducted with 25 participants in a controlled laboratory setting, where users interacted with the simulation using a VR head-mounted display and a physical steering wheel and pedal set. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire incorporating the System Usability Scale (SUS), measures of immersion and presence, physical comfort and cybersickness items, overall satisfaction indicators, and open-ended questions. The results indicate a high level of perceived usability. Participants also reported strong immersion and presence, while physical discomfort and cybersickness effects were generally low and manageable. Comparative analyses based on real-life driving experience revealed no statistically significant differences between active and non-active drivers, although several experiential trends were observed. Qualitative findings supported quantitative results by highlighting intuitive controls, engaging interaction, and areas for improvement related to environmental richness and vehicle feedback. Overall, the findings suggest that VR-based driving simulations offer a usable and immersive platform suitable for driver training.