HickStudyVR: A Hick’s Law-Based Information Processing Speed Test in VR for Large Choice Sets

Abstract

Hick’s law, a foundational principle in human–computer interaction (HCI), predicts that reaction time increases logarithmically with the number of equally likely choices. While its theoretical value is well established, practical applications in modern HCI remain limited, particularly for accurately estimating individual information processing speed (IPS), defined as the reciprocal of the regression slope. This study introduces HickStudyVR, a virtual reality–based system designed to measure IPS with high precision by minimizing perceptual and motor confounds through gaze-based aiming and controller-based selection. A pilot study with four participants showed strong adherence to Hick’s law (all R^2 > 0.94), with IPS ranging from 5.00 to 5.56bit/s. To further validate the system’s design, future work will compare it against traditional 2D layouts to determine whether the VR-based interaction method indeed enhances IPS measurement accuracy. Additional investigations will explore the impact of stimulus type, spatial layout, and gamification on IPS estimation, supporting the development of more robust and generalizable tools for cognitive assessment in immersive environments.