The effect of interaction models on multi-user usability of collaborative virtual environments

Multi-user usability of collaborative virtual environments (VEs) require the consideration of users’ socio-human needs. However, most investigations of the usability have focused on either the technologies involved or individual user experience. Few have examined the effect of interaction models on multi-user usability, by taking account the socio-human needs. Thus, we have undertaken a study on such effect for collaborative tasks, comparing two interaction models: first-come-first-serve (FCFS) and dynamic priority (DP). Departing largely from our previous verification of these models for conflict resolution, the current study assessed multi-user usability for achieving a collaborative goal in a quasi-practical scenario. Based on the ISO/IEC 25010:2011 standard on usability, our observations revealed that multiple users completed the collaborative tasks statistically more effective, efficient, and satisfactory under the DP model than under the FCFS model. These observations indicate a potential practicality of the DP model for multi-user VEs, in which experts perform collaborative tasks.