Learning Single-Layer Perceptrons in Virtual Reality

🧠 Learning Neural Networks in Virtual Reality!

How can we make an abstract Machine Learning concept something learners can actually see, manipulate, and experience?

In this research, we developed a VR-based educational system for teaching Single-Layer Perceptron concepts through an immersive, factory-inspired learning environment. The experience uses a logical OR gate to guide learners step by step through the feed-forward process.

🔹 How It Works:
✅ Generate input values for the OR gate
✅ Apply inputs to a multiplication unit
✅ Assign weights and calculate the products
✅ Combine the results in a summation unit
✅ Explore the activation function through a formula or graph
✅ Compare the perceptron output with the expected result
✅ Adjust the weights and repeat the process when needed

Instead of only reading equations, learners physically move through different stations representing the computational steps of a perceptron, connecting mathematical operations with interactive actions in VR.

🎮 Technology:
Built with Unity, XR Interaction Toolkit, and deployed on Meta Quest 3 with controller-based interaction.

🔬 User Study:
We evaluated the initial prototype with 8 participants. Participants particularly appreciated the interactive approach and its potential to make AI learning more intuitive and enjoyable. The study achieved an average System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 64.69, while also revealing opportunities to improve navigation, interaction guidance, and integrated theoretical learning support.

📄 Read the Full Paper:
🔗 https://doi.org/10.1109/VRW66409.2025.00354

📌 Citation:
Khezrian, N., Farzinnejad, F., & Grubert, J. (2025, March).
Towards a Virtual Reality-Based Educational System for Teaching Single-Layer Perceptron Concepts.
In 2025 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW) (pp. 1416–1417). IEEE.

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