Touching data with PropellerHand

Abstract Immersive analytics often takes place in virtual environments which promise the users immersion. To fulfill this promise, sensory feedback, such as haptics, is an important component, however not well supported yet. Existing haptic devices are expensive, stationary, or occupy user’s hand, preventing them from grasping objects using a controller. We propose PropellerHand, ungrounded hand-mounted device with two rotatable propellers, that allows exerting forces on hand without obstructing use. PropellerHand able to simulate feedback weight and torque by generating thrust up 11 N 2-DOF of 1.87 Nm 2-DOF. Its design builds our experience quantitative qualitative experiments different form factors parts. evaluated prototype through user study various VR scenarios required participants manipulate ways, while changing between torques directional forces. Results show improves users’ immersion reality. Additionally, we conducted second field immersive visualization investigate potential benefits there. Graphical abstract