If The Map Fits! Exploring Minimaps as Distractors from Non-Euclidean Spaces in Virtual Reality

With non-Euclidean spaces, Virtual Reality (VR) experiences can overcome the limitations of physical space by using overlapping virtual rooms. However, the illusion created by these spaces can be discovered, if the overlap is too large. Thus, in this work, we investigate if users can be distracted from the overlap by showing a minimap that suggests that there is none. When done correctly, more VR space can be mapped into the existing physical space, allowing for more spacious virtual experiences. Through a user study, we found that participants uncovered the overlap of two virtual rooms when it was at 100% and above. Our results show that an additional minimap renders overlapping virtual rooms more believable and can serve as an additional tool to overcome physical limitations for natural locomotion in VR.