The future of mixed reality: impact of holographic stimulus positioning on user experience and performance in mixed reality

Arif S.M.U. Khan K.
February 2026 Springer

Multimedia Tools and Applications
2026 #85 Issue 2

Optical see-through mixed reality (MR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) enable world-locked holograms for hybrid physical-virtual workspaces, but their limited effective field of view (FoV) makes projection distance and spatial layout critical interface variables. This study examines the impact of hologram depth on alertness performance, exploratory effort, and user experience in Microsoft HoloLens 1. Sixteen participants completed a simple reaction-time (SRT) detection task using gaze and gesture input, responding by pressing a world-locked X-Key when a target was detected. The experiment tested three projection distances (110 cm, 290 cm, 370 cm). Each distance block presented 25 targets at pseudo-randomized spatial locations with a 5.00 s response window, and we logged reaction time, omissions, and target coordinates for FoV-aware analysis. Across distances, reaction time remained stable, while accuracy differences were primarily driven by spatial positioning relative to the FoV, including a Distance by FoV interaction. Exploratory effort, quantified by head-rotation amplitude, decreased with increasing distance as more content fit within the effective optical window. Subjective feedback aligned with objective outcomes, indicating a preference for the mid-distance configuration that reduced head movement and visual strain. Based on the tested depths, we recommend distance-aware and FoV-aware MR interface zoning for next-generation extended reality dashboards. Use a three-tier world-locked layout: a near zone less than 1.5 m for high-priority interactive elements and real-world gadgets (for example laptops, desktops, and physical controllers), a mid zone about 2.5 m to 3.0 m for always-on summaries, contextual analytics, and sticky dashboards that preserve situational awareness without increasing reaction time, and a far zone greater than 3.5 m for low-priority ambient information such as passive dashboards, maps, and background context. This zoning supports efficient switching between direct gaze interaction and peripheral monitoring across physical and holographic layers.

Dashboard zoning , Extended reality interfaces , Field of view , Head rotation , Mixed reality , Optical see-through HMD , Projection distance , Reaction time , Spatial layout , User experience

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Department of Computer Science, Nazarbayev University, 53, Kabanbay batyr Ave., Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Information Technology, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

Department of Computer Science
Department of Information Technology

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026