Rewiring Perceived Doability in VR: Hand Redirection as a Subtle Cross-Sensory Support for Sustained Practice

2026-04-28

AI Summary

This study addresses how individuals often disengage from light physical activity due to subjective beliefs of incapability rather than actual physical limitations. To counter this, the authors propose a conservative hand redirection technique in virtual reality that subtly alters movement within perceptual thresholds, generating micro-experiences of success to enhance users’ immediate perception of action feasibility. The approach reconceptualizes hand redirection as a cross-sensory support mechanism centered on the psychological construct of perceived feasibility, while navigating the design tension between behavioral maintenance and user autonomy. A seated forward-bending VR prototype was developed to instantiate this concept, accompanied by an initial research framework and two core questions aimed at advancing human-computer interaction discourse on autonomy-preserving, cross-sensory supportive systems.

Abstract

In everyday life, physical effort is often minimized and convenience is prioritized, making it difficult for many people to sustain light exercise and stretching despite well-known long-term benefits. This challenge often arises not from objective movement limitations, but from whether an action feels doable in the moment and, therefore worth continuing. This position paper argues that subtle VR hand redirection (HR) can be reframed as a form of cross-sensory support for sustained practice by targeting perceived doability: a moment-to-moment cognitive appraisal that an action is within one's capability while requiring manageable effort. We propose that conservative HR, applied within known perceptual limits, can create repeated micro-success experiences (e.g., reaching a virtual goal earlier with similar physical movement). These micro-successes may increase continuation intention and early re-engagement without relying on overt pressure or intensive coaching. At the same time, such support raises questions about autonomy and authenticity. We therefore articulate two research questions: (RQ1) how HR shifts perceived doability to support sustained practice and positive behavior change; and (RQ2) when HR functions as acceptable support versus becoming counterproductive by undermining authenticity, agency, trust, or fostering dependence. We present an initial sit-and-reach VR prototype, outline a research plan, and identify key design tensions to spark community discussions on autonomy-preserving cross-sensory futures in HCI.

Problem

• perceived doability
• sustained practice
• hand redirection
• virtual reality
• behavior change

Innovation

• hand redirection
• perceived doability
• cross-sensory support
• virtual reality
• behavior change