Research Trends in Human-Computer Interaction for Immersive Virtual Reality Applications: A Bibliometric Study (2010-2026)

Abstract

The rapid advancement of immersive technologies has significantly expanded the scope of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) within the context of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR). Despite the growing body of research, the field remains fragmented, with limited understanding of its intellectual and thematic development. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of HCI research within IVR using data retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection. A total of 1,185 publications from 2010 to 2026 were initially identified and refined to 1,129 records following a systematic screening process. The analysis employs co-citation and keyword co-occurrence techniques using VOSviewer to examine both the knowledge base and thematic development of the field. The findings reveal a substantial increase in publication output and citation impact, indicating the growing maturity and relevance of HCI research in IVR. Co-citation analysis identifies four major intellectual domains: presence and immersive experience, user experience and application contexts, usability and human factors, and behavioral and psychological interaction. Meanwhile, keyword co-occurrence analysis uncovers four dominant thematic clusters, including core interaction and system design, human-centered computing, visualization and spatial interaction, and emerging immersive technologies. This study contributes by providing a structured and data-driven mapping of the research landscape, emphasizing the relationships between interaction design, user experience, and technological advancement. The findings offer both theoretical and practical implications for advancing more integrated and user-centered approaches in immersive virtual environments, while also identifying key directions for future research.