As Virtual Reality enters professional domains, efficient text entry remains challenging due to limited tactile feedback and ergonomics. We present a novel Virtual Reality keyboard that integrates a smartphone-like layout, hover effects, dynamic colors, haptic feedback (SenseGlove Nova 2), auditory cues, and a key-weighting mechanism. In a study (N = 11), our design was compared with a curved MRTK keyboard. Although the MRTK keyboard yielded faster speeds (8.99 vs. 7.47 WPM) and higher accuracy (92.14% vs. 86.85%), our custom design offered a more engaging and ergonomic experience with improved comfort over prolonged use. These findings underscore the potential of multimodal feedback for advancing VR text entry.

This paper introduces a novel concept of virtual 3D debugging in software development, motivated by mental model research in information studies and cognitive design elements. The main goal is to improve the debugging process by allowing programmers to navigate and visualize code in a virtual 3D environment, thereby supporting the construction of the programmers mental model during software exploration. The paper also present the findings of an exploratory study of participants mental models of an academic information system. Participants used our 3D debugging prototype for a debugging procedure as part of the process of making sense of their experiences. Furthermore, software developers often struggle with debugging. Comprehension of the program structure or the underlying processes can be problematic especially as programs become more complex, or if a person is unfamiliar with the source code. Debugging is an essential part of the software development process, and this paper aims to address this challenge using innovative methods.

Software engineers are sedentary and need technological help for a more healthy life. Current software engineering tasks are mostly confined to the standard sedentary desktop user interface. We believe that software engineering should be restructured so that it offers a non-sedentary alternative. In this paper, we describe a new research approach, called Post-sedentary Software Engineering. Our ambition with this approach is to provide an alternative, healthier work context without decreasing productivity. We take a spatial approach to post-sedentary tool design, starting from the assumption an interactive 3D environment with appropriate metaphors is necessary for full body movement. We discuss available technologies for achieving this goal and outline four studies that incorporate the software engineering phases of code comprehension, code creation and debugging in a non-sedentary context.