Designing a virtual environment in VR space using memory enhancement techniques: Introducing a VR approach to GDPR awareness training

Abstract

The introduction of virtual reality (VR) has made it possible to implement memory enhancement techniques such as the method of loci in a virtual setting (virtual memory palace). The studies into the virtual memory palace (VMP) have provided beneficial insight into how the memory palace can be applied to virtual environments (VEs). Moreover, these showcase the improvement in retention of the individuals after using the VMP. This thesis investigates whether a VE inspired by memory enhancement techniques can be used as a learning tool to teach employees at ING about GDPR compliances (specifically data privacy compliances). This study explored which memory enhancement techniques can be applied to the VE and how they affect the memory process. To implement this study, we performed experiments on 23 participants out of which 12 were master students (with no prior knowledge of data privacy regulations) and 11 were ING employees. The experiment involved using the designed VE and answering two questionnaires. The first was designed to test how much of the information the participants were able to recall after using the VE and the other was designed to test how the participants applied the information they saw in the VE.

Our results show that both the ING employees and the master students showed similar performance on the second questionnaire and shared similar preference on using the VE as a daily tool for learning. The performance in the first questionnaire wasn't 100\% conclusive as some participants with low scores in the first questionnaire performed better in the second questionnaire. Using this VE, we were able to teach the participants some of the data privacy compliances. This thesis lays a foundation for applying VEs inspired by memory enhancement techniques in daily life situations.