A user interface (UI) of a head mounted display (HMD) is provided that allows a user to access one or more persistent data elements that are otherwise outside the user's initial field of view by using a head movement, such as a head tilt (i.e., movement about a horizontal axis) and/or rotation (i.e., movement about a vertical axis). Embodiments also can provide for further movement and/or other manipulation of data of persistent data elements with further detected movement of the user's head.