Determine the source of cognitive benefits in immersive GraphXplore reviews

Determine whether the reduced cognitive workload associated with GraphXplore results primarily from stereoscopic three-dimensional visualisation of large datasets or from the increased screen real estate provided by immersive head-mounted-display environments.

Background

The experiment compared two bundled ecosystems: GraphXplore, which uses an immersive stereoscopic head-mounted display and six-degree-of-freedom controllers, and a two-dimensional slide deck viewed on a desktop monitor. Because representation format, display technology, and interaction mechanism were varied simultaneously, the reported usability and workload differences cannot be attributed to one factor. The paper therefore identifies a concrete unresolved causal question for future controlled experiments.

References

Future research must evaluate the specific influence of HMD immersion by comparing it against the large, high-resolution powerwall displays traditionally used in concurrent engineering rooms. Such a comparison is necessary to determine whether the reduced cognitive workload stems primarily from the stereoscopic 3D visualisation of large datasets or simply from the increased screen real estate.

— Navigating and Retrieving Information in Immersive Model-Based Design Reviews: An Exploratory Study  (2608.20128 - Romero et al., 20 Aug 2026) in Section 6, Discussion and threats to validity