recorded by Above And Beyond Software of The Sleeper Initiative
Users can rotate their bodies in the play area without rotating in the virtual world allowing them to walk continuously in the virtual world by pacing back and forth in the play area.
How it works: By holding a button, the avatar’s head becomes suspended and locked in virtual space allowing the user to turn their body without turning in the virtual experience. When the button is let go, they can now continue walking in the desired direction. During the suspended locked process, the environment is blurred, and the play area grid is displayed for the user to see as a reference where they can turn to. Each turn is constantly being tracked so that floating dust can be generated in the play area drifting in a specific direction in order to hint the user as to which direction they should turn to avoid tangling their headset cords.
Strengths:
A very natural way to explore environments
Dramatically reduces chances of simulation sickness
Weaknesses
May lead to tangled cords if not used correctly
Can be inaccessible for those in smaller play areas or those who are playing from a seated position.
Can be inefficient for navigating larger environments
May take some time for a user to master
For More Info
Brady Wright, founder and developer of Above-and-Beyond Software in Tecton games has a great video explaining in-depth his design of the Walk About locomotion method.