Over the last few decades, several studies have shown the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of VR-based instruments in the early evaluation of executive dysfunction (ED) in psychiatric and neurologic conditions. Due to the negative impact of ED in everyday functioning, identifying innovative strategies for evaluating ED allows clinicians to detect executive impairment early and minimize its effects. This work aimed to test the usability and user experience (UX) of EXecutive-functions Innovative Tool 360° (EXIT 360°), a 360°-based tool for assessing ED. Seventy-six healthy subjects underwent an evaluation that involved (1) usability assessment using System Usability Scale and (2) evaluation of UX using the ICT-Sense of Presence and UX Questionnaire. Results showed a satisfactory level of usability (mean = 75.9 ± 12.8), with good scores for usability and learnability. As regards UX, EXIT 360° showed an absence of negative effects (mean = 1.79 ± 0.95) and high scores in ecological validity (mean = 4.32 ± 0.54) and engagement (mean = 3.76 ± 0.56). Moreover, it obtained good scores in efficiency (mean = 1.84 ± 0.84), originality (mean = 2.49 ± 0.71), and attractiveness (mean = 1.93 ± 0.98). Interestingly, demographic characteristics and technological expertise had no impact on the performance (p > 0.05). Overall, EXIT 360° appeared to be a usable, learn-to-use, engaging, and creative tool with irrelevant negative effects. Further studies will be conducted to evaluate these aspects in the clinical population.
Keywords: 360° environment; assessment; engagement; executive function; usability; user experience; virtual reality.