The Impact of Gender and Level of Control over Agents’ Aesthetics on User Experiences in VR Training

Adinolf, S; Conroy, D; Wyeth, P; Simpson, L

The Impact of Gender and Level of Control over Agents’ Aesthetics on User Experiences in VR Training

Adinolf, S Conroy, D Wyeth, P

Simpson, L

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Publisher:: TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: International Journal of Human Computer Interaction, 2025
Issue Date:: 2025-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Adinolf, S
dc.contributor.author	Conroy, D
dc.contributor.author	Wyeth, P https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1867-9536
dc.contributor.author	Simpson, L
dc.date.accessioned	2025-08-06T04:24:48Z
dc.date.available	2025-08-06T04:24:48Z
dc.date.issued	2025-01-01
dc.identifier.citation	International Journal of Human Computer Interaction, 2025
dc.identifier.issn	1044-7318
dc.identifier.issn	1532-7590
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/189237
dc.description.abstract	This study explores how user gender, agent gender, and control over agent aesthetics affect experiences in a VR phishing awareness training application. As digital agents become more common in immersive training, understanding their design impact is critical. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions: (1) full customization of the agent’s appearance, (2) selection from pre-made agents, or (3) no choice. We measured outcomes including phishing awareness (immediate and retained), mental effort, enjoyment, presence, and relatedness. Results showed no significant effects of user gender or choice condition on awareness, mental effort, or presence. However, female participants reported greater relatedness with their agent at a three-month follow-up, suggesting potential long-term engagement benefits. Aesthetic control did not significantly influence learning or awareness retention, underscoring the importance of content quality over personalization. These findings contribute to research on gender dynamics and customization in immersive learning environments.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
dc.relation.ispartof	International Journal of Human Computer Interaction
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1080/10447318.2025.2498481
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	08 Information and Computing Sciences, 16 Studies in Human Society
dc.subject.classification	Human Factors
dc.subject.classification	44 Human society
dc.subject.classification	46 Information and computing sciences
dc.title	The Impact of Gender and Level of Control over Agents’ Aesthetics on User Experiences in VR Training
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.for	08 Information and Computing Sciences
utslib.for	16 Studies in Human Society
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2025-08-06T04:24:46Z
pubs.publication-status	Published

Abstract:

This study explores how user gender, agent gender, and control over agent aesthetics affect experiences in a VR phishing awareness training application. As digital agents become more common in immersive training, understanding their design impact is critical. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions: (1) full customization of the agent’s appearance, (2) selection from pre-made agents, or (3) no choice. We measured outcomes including phishing awareness (immediate and retained), mental effort, enjoyment, presence, and relatedness. Results showed no significant effects of user gender or choice condition on awareness, mental effort, or presence. However, female participants reported greater relatedness with their agent at a three-month follow-up, suggesting potential long-term engagement benefits. Aesthetic control did not significantly influence learning or awareness retention, underscoring the importance of content quality over personalization. These findings contribute to research on gender dynamics and customization in immersive learning environments.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/189237