The Haptic Fidelity Paradox in VR: Cognitive Load and User Satisfaction

Featured Application: This study provides a design framework for optimizing the usability of high-fidelity haptic interfaces in spatial computing, emphasizing “functional sufficiency” and technical reliability over sensory maximization to ensure instrumental transparency in professional VR training systems. High-fidelity haptic interfaces are widely assumed to enhance virtual reality (VR) training; however, they can trigger a “fidelity paradox” where hardware complexity paradoxically degrades usability. Grounded in Task-Technology Fit (TTF) theory and Hassenzahl’s pragmatic-hedonic quality framework, this study investigates the mechanisms underlying this paradox through a within-subject experiment ((Formula presented.)) in a VR cooking simulation comparing three interface paradigms: VR controllers (VRC), hand tracking (HT), and haptic gloves (HG). Results confirmed that HG’s low task-technology fit—manifested as tracking errors, physical resistance, and increased operational overhead—generated significantly higher extraneous cognitive load (H1) and degraded interaction satisfaction (H2) despite its superior intended sensory resolution. Critically, in the HG condition, pragmatic quality (technical reliability) was identified as the dominant driver of satisfaction, while hedonic quality additions (thermal feedback) did not show a significant independent contribution to satisfaction in the HG condition. Perceived training effectiveness remained above the neutral threshold across all conditions (H3), indicating that content-level TTF is preserved independently of interface-level TTF mismatch. These findings suggest that VR interface design should prioritize “functional sufficiency”—ensuring tools serve as transparent, seamless extensions of the user—over the blind pursuit of sensory maximization.