# Enhancing Recognition Memory in Virtual Memory Palaces Using Worlds-in-Miniature
## 2 Related Work
### Spatial Perception and Navigation in VR  
Spatial perception and movement in the real world differ significantly from those in mentally created spaces; however, in virtual reality (VR), they can be designed to resemble the cognitive processes of mental navigation. In mentally created spaces, individuals can freely adjust various aspects such as first-person/third-person viewpoints, macroscopic/microscopic perspectives, continuous/discrete movement, and dynamic navigation through imagined structures. However, research on spatial perception and movement in VR has primarily focused on limited and often rigid navigation systems, typically offering either macroscopic or microscopic perspectives through a single-level first-person view.  
[PERSON] et al. proposed a technique in which the user's avatar size dynamically changes, enabling users to transition between large-scale exploration and precise microscopic interaction through continuous movement [22]. [PERSON] et al. demonstrated that, by increasing virtual walking speeds beyond real-world limits, users could navigate large-scale virtual environments efficiently without breaking immersion [23]. [PERSON] et al. employed discrete teleportation mechanisms to switch between macroscopic and microscopic navigation scales, making spatial exploration flexible and intuitive [24]. [PERSON] et al. proposed a method in which the user's avatar in virtual reality automatically adjusts the scale of the virtual environment based on the size of the object being manipulated. This allows for continuous transitions between macroscopic and microscopic perspectives, enabling the convenient handling of 3D objects [25]. However, these approaches primarily focus on mobility and immersion without addressing the spatial structuring required for effective memory encoding and retrieval.  
The WIM method proposed by [PERSON] et al. offers an effective solution by integrating both global and local spatial perspectives [8]. By presenting a miniature version of the virtual environment, WIM enables users to utilize both first-person and third-person perspectives simultaneously. Users can continuously navigate through the space from a first-person perspective while manipulating the miniature for macroscopic movements. This dual-perspective system significantly enhances spatial awareness and navigation flexibility compared to traditional VR navigation techniques [26; 27].  
WIM has evolved into various forms, such as SSWIM (supporting scaling and scrolling within the miniature) [26], SWIM (providing object-specific scaling) [27], and Step WIM (enabling body-driven navigation without hand input) [28]. [PERSON] et al. identified key design elements for WIM interfaces that emphasize multi-dimensional spatial control and proposed future applications in cognitive and spatial learning [29].  
Navigation plays a critical role in memory encoding and retrieval within virtual memory palaces, as spatial navigation directly influences how effectively users can organize and recall information [12; 17]. Studies demonstrate that flexible navigation systems, particularly those offering dynamic control over movement and multi-scale perspectives, enhance both short-term recall and long-term memory retention [6; 20]. The integration of WIM into a virtual memory palace is designed to harness these navigation benefits, allowingusers to build stronger spatial associations and improve their ability to encode and retrieve information effectively.