Exploring the Impact of Distance on XR Selection Techniques

Spittle, Becky and Frutos-Pascual, Maite and Creed, Chris and Williams, Ian (2025) Exploring the Impact of Distance on XR Selection Techniques. In: ICMI '25: International Conference on Multimodal Interaction, 13th-17th Oct 2025, Canberra Australia.

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Abstract

Designing eXtended Reality (XR) interaction techniques that function efficiently across varying contexts remains a significant challenge, leading to a fragmented landscape of input paradigms. A key factor influencing interaction performance is the user’s distance from virtual content. To address this, we present two user studies investigating how distance impacts interaction efficacy and user experience in XR environments. These studies evaluate widely used interaction methods—freehand techniques (Press, Airtap, Hover) and gaze-based techniques (Eye and Head)—across four proxemic zones: Intimate, Personal, Social, and Public. Each study involved 32 participants, with a combined total of 4,608 interaction trials (1,152 in Study 1 and 3,456 in Study 2). Findings reveal the strengths and limitations of techniques depending on user-object distance. Based on these insights, we offer design recommendations for tailoring XR interaction modalities to proxemic factors. This promotes adaptable interaction design, enabling more inclusive and personalised user experiences across diverse XR scenarios.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Identification Number:	10.1145/3716553.3750770
Dates:	Date Event 1 October 2025 Accepted 13 October 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Extended Reality, Distance, Prox-emic Interaction, Interaction Techniques, Adaptive, Context
Subjects:	CAH11 - computing > CAH11-01 - computing > CAH11-01-01 - computer science
Divisions:	Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering > Computer Science
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	10 Nov 2026 13:30
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2026 13:30
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17303

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