Analyzing Change in VR: A Temporal–Rules–Cues Framework for Storyworld Dynamics and Authorial Intent

VR storyworlds unfold through changes in rules, affordances, and cues over time, yet many design tools describe them in relatively static terms. We present TRC (Temporal, Rules and Cues), a three layer framework for analyzing and planning dynamic change in VR. TRC maps change episodes around a focal transition point called (t0) using a prepare, change and consolidate structure aligned with feedforward, action, and feedback. The framework is informed by work on attention, multisensory cueing, agency, and plausibility, and is intended to help designers examine when change occurs, what changes, and how that change is signaled and stabilized. We apply TRC to five commercial VR onboarding sequences and an extended case analysis of A Fisherman’s Tale. Across cases, we found recurring patterns, including short feedforward before high cost rule changes, triggers placed at taught affordances, and rapid cross modal confirmations that stabilize a new rule state. We also report a 20 participant formative Creativity Support Index study, which provides preliminary evidence that TRC externalizations were perceived as helpful for exploration and for the results worth effort item during early stage analysis and planning. Contributions include the TRC framework, a mapping protocol and codebook, an analysis template with metrics, a compact pattern/risk library, and initial evidence of perceived creativity-support value.