Effects of 3D display technologies on spatial memory

Spatial memory has been recognized as an important factor in efficient human-computer interaction. However, most previous studies are limited to very simple depth cues and 2D displays. We present a study investigating the effects of head-coupled perspective, stereoscopy and simple landmarks on spatial memory by measuring performance and accuracy in a memory game. Our results indicate that head-coupled perspective affects spatial memory positively and should be investigated further. The polarized stereoscopic display and the landmarks used in this study had a significant negative effect, suggesting that they should be used with care. Users' perceived efficiency of a 3D display technology turned out to be a bad indicator of its actual efficiency.