User Priorities for VR Fitness Features Among Malaysian Runners: A Task–Technology Fit and Multi-Criteria Decision Methods Perspective

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) fitness applications are gaining traction for their ability to enhance motivation, enjoyment, and immersion during exercise. However, limited research examines which specific VR features users value most when performing running tasks. Guided by the Task Technology Fit (TTF) perspective, this study evaluates five commonly used VR running features: interactive VR environments, real-time feedback, endurance tracking, enjoyment elements, and progress monitoring. A total of 141 Malaysian respondents with running experience and familiarity with digital fitness tools participated in the survey. Each feature was rated across five criteria: effectiveness, practicality, usability, motivation, and engagement. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used to construct a structured ranking of all feature and criterion combinations. Results show a consistent pattern: effectiveness and practicality dominate user priorities, with interactive VR environments, real-time feedback, and endurance tracking emerging as the highest ranked features. Enjoyment elements and progress monitoring were positively perceived but demonstrated a weaker match to immediate running needs. The findings highlight how users differentiate between performance related and enjoyment related VR capabilities and illustrate how TTF can be applied at the feature level. Practically, the results provide clear direction for system developers and product teams to prioritise performance supportive features in VR fitness design. Theoretically, the study extends the application of TTF to VR fitness evaluation and shows how multi-criteria decision methods can translate user perceptions into structured feature prioritisation.