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VR

Interaction Model Template

Hello there!

This template can help kickstart your VR project. Feel free to customize it according to your specific
needs. An efficient interaction model is crucial to ensure a seamless, engaging, and enjoyable
experience for users in the virtual environment.

We’ve included a sample interaction model with step-by-step instructions to guide you through
each section.

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interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
Interaction Model Template
The main purpose of “Galactic Explorer” is to immerse users in a
• What do you want users to achieve or feel?
visually stunning and educational journey through space. The goal
Objective • Determine the desired level of interaction fidelity (realistic,
is to evoke awe and curiosity by allowing users to explore planets,
Define the main purpose non-realistic, magical).
stars, and galaxies. The interaction fidelity aims for a balance
of the VR experience and • Consider the application’s purpose, target audience, and
between realism and a touch of magic, making the experience
the goals of interactions. context of use.
enchanting for a wide audience.

• Entry Point: Users start in a virtual space station surrounded

• Entry Point: How will users enter the VR world? Is there
by futuristic technology and a large viewport showing the vastness
an introduction or starting point?
of space.

• Navigation: Describe how users will move within the

• Navigation: Users navigate by using handheld controllers.
virtual space. Are there specific controls or gestures for
User Flow movement?
Pointing the controller in the direction they want to move and
Outline the sequence of steps pressing a button propels them forward.
users will follow to engage
• Interaction: Detail how users will interact with objects,
with the VR environment. • Interaction: Users interact with celestial bodies using direct
characters, or elements within the environment.
manipulation. They can reach out and “grab” planets to examine
them closely, rotate them, and even trigger informative overlays.
• Transitions: How will users transition between different
areas or scenarios?
• Transitions: How will users transition between different areas
or scenarios?

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interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
 • Direct Interaction: Users can pick up and examine planets,
toggle the display of additional information, and even simulate
• Direct Interaction: Specify how users can manipulate
gravity effects by releasing planets.
objects or elements directly using gestures or controllers.

• Indirect Interaction: Voice commands are used to trigger in-

Types of • Indirect Interaction: Describe any voice commands,
depth information about specific celestial objects.
Interaction button inputs, or keyboard interactions.
Define the types of
• Semi-Direct Interaction: Users can combine direct manipulation
interactions users • Semi-Direct Interaction: Explain any hybrid interactions
with voice commands to toggle certain features, such as
will encounter. that involve both direct manipulation and structured steps.
highlighting constellations.

• Storytelling: How will the narrative unfold during user • Storytelling: The narrative unfolds through guided voiceovers
interaction? Are there specific moments or cues? that provide context and interesting facts about each
Narrative celestial object.
Integration • Sensory Elements: Will sensory cues like sound, scent, or
If applicable, explain how visual cues enhance the experience? Describe how they’ll • Sensory Elements: Soothing ambient space sounds and
narrative elements will be be used. gentle vibrations upon touching a planet enhance the immersive
integrated into the experience, creating a multi-sensory journey.
interaction model.

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interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
 • Body Gestures: Users can use body gestures, such as raising
• Body Gestures: How can users use their body to interact? their hand to activate a holographic map, enhancing immersion
Are there specific gestures for actions? and engagement.
Physical
Movement • Comfort: Ensure that physical movements are • Comfort:Physical movements are designed to be intuitive and
Consider the physical actions comfortable and won’t strain the user. comfortable, preventing strain during extended exploration.
users might perform.

• Transitions: Describe how users will transition between • Transitions: Users can transition viewpoints by stepping onto
different viewpoints or areas. the teleportation pad and selecting a new area. Smooth transitions
Viewpoint and a brief fade-in reduce discomfort.
Design • Avoid Discomfort: Detail strategies to prevent motion
Plan how users will experience sickness or disorientation during viewpoint changes. • Avoid Discomfort: Transition effects are designed to minimize
changes in their viewpoint. motion sickness, ensuring a comfortable experience.

• Physical Presence: Explain how users will experience • Physical Presence: Users experience embodiment through
embodiment, such as using hand gestures or full-body hand gestures to interact with celestial bodies. Their actions
Embodiment interactions. influence the environment, reinforcing the connection.
Describe how users will feel
connected to the virtual world.

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interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
 • Users are introduced to navigation and interactions through a
brief tutorial presented upon entering the VR environment.
User Training Outline how you will ensure your users are comfortable and
Think about how you will guide confident with the chosen VR interactions. • Interactive tooltips provide guidance during early exploration,
your users to understand and ensuring users are comfortable with the interaction techniques.
master selected interaction
techniques.

• Feedback Loop: User feedback is collected through in-app

• Feedback Loop: How will user feedback be collected and
surveys and user testing sessions.
incorporated into improvements?

Testing and Iteration • Iteration: The interaction model will evolve based on
• Iteration: Explain how the model will evolve based on
Emphasize the importance of feedback and analytics, refining navigation, interaction,
testing results.
continuous testing and refining and comfort aspects.
the interaction model.

• Wayfinding Aids: Users are guided by subtle trails of light

• Wayfinding Aids: Explain how users will be guided that lead to points of interest, aiding navigation without
through the environment. breaking immersion.

Additional Features
• Multimodal Inputs: Describe if users can engage using • Multimodal Inputs: Users can choose their preferred
List any unique or innovative
various methods like voice, gestures, and controllers. interaction method, whether it’s voice commands, gestures,
features that enhance user
or controller inputs, offering flexibility.
engagement.

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interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
Working Title:

• What do you want users to achieve or feel?

Objective • Determine the desired level of interaction fidelity (realistic,
Define the main purpose
non-realistic, magical).
of the VR experience and
• Consider the application’s purpose, target audience, and
the goals of interactions.
context of use.

• Entry Point: How will users enter the VR world? Is there

• Entry Point:
an introduction or starting point?

• Navigation: Describe how users will move within the

• Navigation:
virtual space. Are there specific controls or gestures for
movement?
User Flow
• Interaction:
Outline the sequence of steps • Interaction: Detail how users will interact with objects,
users will follow to engage characters, or elements within the environment.
with the VR environment.
• Transitions:
• Transitions: How will users transition between different
areas or scenarios?

Start Learning Today:

interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
 • Direct Interaction:
• Direct Interaction: Specify how users can manipulate
objects or elements directly using gestures or controllers.
• Indirect Interaction:
Types of • Indirect Interaction: Describe any voice commands,
Interaction button inputs, or keyboard interactions.
Define the types of • Semi-Direct Interaction:
interactions users • Semi-Direct Interaction: Explain any hybrid interactions
will encounter. that involve both direct manipulation and structured steps.

• Storytelling: How will the narrative unfold during user • Storytelling:

interaction? Are there specific moments or cues?

Narrative • Sensory Elements: Will sensory cues like sound, scent, or

Integration visual cues enhance the experience? Describe how they’ll • Sensory Elements:
If applicable, explain how
be used.
narrative elements will
be integrated into the
interaction model.

Start Learning Today:

interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
 • Body Gestures:
• Body Gestures: How can users use their body to interact?
Are there specific gestures for actions?
• Comfort:
Physical • Comfort: Ensure that physical movements are
Movement comfortable and won’t strain the user.
Consider the physical actions
users might perform.

• Transitions: Describe how users will transition between

• Transitions:
different viewpoints or areas.
Viewpoint
Design • Avoid Discomfort: Detail strategies to prevent motion
• Avoid Discomfort:
Plan how users will experience sickness or disorientation during viewpoint changes.
changes in their viewpoint.

• Physical Presence:
• Physical Presence: Explain how users will experience
embodiment, such as using hand gestures or full-body
Embodiment interactions.
Describe how users will feel
connected to the virtual world.

Start Learning Today:

interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
 User Training Outline how you will ensure your users are comfortable and
Think about how you will guide
confident with the chosen VR interactions.
your users to understand and
master selected interaction
techniques.

• Feedback Loop: How will user feedback be collected and

incorporated into improvements?

Testing and Iteration

• Iteration: Explain how the model will evolve based on
Emphasize the importance of
testing results.
continuous testing and refining
the interaction model.

• Wayfinding Aids: Explain how users will be guided • Wayfinding Aids:

through the environment.
Additional Features
List any unique or innovative • Multimodal Inputs: Describe if users can engage using • Multimodal Inputs:
features that enhance user various methods like voice, gestures, and controllers.
engagement.

Start Learning Today:

interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
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Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.
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interaction-design.org
Creative Commons BY-SA license: You are free to edit and redistribute this template, even for commercial use, as long as you give credit to the
Interaction Design Foundation. Also, if you remix, transform, or build upon this template, you must distribute it under the same CC BY-SA license.