Enhancing Usability in Crisis Management Training: Evaluation of the Virtual Reality-Based Situational Awareness Table

Abstract

In a rapidly evolving world with advancing technology and climate change, crisis situations are increasingly unpredictable, requiring effective training for emergency response teams. To address this, we developed a virtual reality (VR) table to provide immersive, unrestricted training, simulating high-pressure scenarios that demand rapid decision-making. A laboratory study with N=15 participants evaluated the table’s usability, focusing on system usability, and user experience. Results demonstrated improved usability, providing valuable insights for designing effective crisis management training programs. The study emphasizes the importance of intuitive controls, quick information access, and minimal distractions in VR environments to enhance user satisfaction and performance. This research establishes a foundation for future VR-based training programs, highlighting their potential to advance crisis management training. Our findings provide valuable insights for emergency response teams and informants for design best practices, with applications extending to other fields, contributing to improved usability in VR training systems.