Accessible Virtual Environment Research Articles

Penerapan Teknologi Multiplayer pada Sistem Pembelajaran Berbasis Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is a technology that makes users seem to be interacting with their environment even though it is only a computer simulation. This research explores the application of multiplayer virtual reality (VR) technology in a learning system for assembling LAN cables. By combining elements of learning videos and accessible virtual environments together, this research aims to create a collaborative and immersive learning experience. By utilizing multiplayer technology, users can interact in real-time with fellow students, creating a collaborative and engaging learning experience. by paying attention to aspects of conceptual understanding, technical skills, and collaboration between students in a multiplayer virtual environment. This research also focuses on aspects of implementing virtual reality technology to create deeper and more immersive learning simulations. The main goal of this research is to increase interactivity and engagement of students in virtual learning environments.

Visual Cues for a Steadier You: Visual Feedback Methods Improved Standing Balance in Virtual Reality for People With Balance Impairments.

Users of head-mounted displays (HMDs) for virtual reality (VR) sometimes have balance issues since HMDs impede their view of the outside world. This has a greater impact on people with balance impairments since many rely more heavily on their visual cues to keep their balance. This is a significant obstacle to the universal usability and accessibility of VR. Although previous studies have verified the imbalance issue, not much work has been done to diminish it. In this study, we investigated how to increase VR balance by utilizing additional visual cues. To examine how different visual approaches (static, rhythmic, spatial, and center of pressure (CoP) based feedback) affect balance in VR, we recruited 100 people (50 with balance impairments due to multiple sclerosis and 50 without balance impairments) across two different geographic locations (United States and Bangladesh). All people completed both standing visual exploration as well as standing reach and grasp tasks. Results demonstrated that static, rhythmic, and CoP visual feedback approaches enhanced balance significantly ($p\lt . 05$) in VR for people with balance impairments. The methods described in this study could be applied to design more accessible virtual environments for people with balance impairments.

Investigating the Influence of Intergroup Contact in Virtual Reality on Empathy: An Exploratory Study Using AltspaceVR.

Virtual Reality (VR) has often been referred to as an “empathy machine.” This is mostly because it can induce empathy through embodiment experiences in outgroup membership. However, the potential of intergroup contact with an outgroup avatar in VR to increase empathy is less studied. Even though intergroup contact literature suggests that less threatening and more prosocial emotions are the key to understanding why intergroup contact is a powerful mean to decrease prejudice, few studies have investigated the effect of intergroup contact on empathy in VR. In this study, we developed a between-participants design to investigate how VR can be used to create a positive intergroup contact with a member of a stigmatized outgroup (ethnic minority) and present the results of the effect of intergroup contact in VR on empathy. Sixty four participants experienced either positive contact (i.e., equal intergroup status, collaborative) with a black (experimenter-controlled) avatar (experimental condition) or no intergroup contact (i.e., ingroup contact with a white avatar; control condition), with situational empathy (personal distress and empathic interest) being measured through a self-report questionnaire up to a week before and right after the VR contact experience. The experiment showed that satisfying degrees of body ownership of participants’ own avatar and co-presence with the contacted avatar can be achieved in simple and universally accessible virtual environments such as AltspaceVR. The results indicated that while VR intergroup contact had no significant direct effect on empathy, exploratory analyses indicated that post-intervention empathic interest increased with stronger feelings of co-presence in the intergroup contact condition.

Can Wii™ work it out?

Virtual reality is the computer-generated simulation of a real-world environment. For over 20 years, this technology has been used for health-related and rehabilitation purposes. The new generation of wireless gaming consoles has brought low-cost, easily accessible virtual environments to lounge rooms, physiotherapy clinics and aged care facilities. The purpose of this paper is to review the emerging literature on the use of active gaming technology (Nintendo Wii) with older people. The results of a recent qualitative study on the acceptability and feasibility of implementing Wii in aged care settings will also be presented. As broadband-enabled healthcare expands and gaming technology advances, gaming consoles could be used for more than recreation. In addition to the potential health benefits, connecting older people to peers or health professionals in this way may be a strategy to counteract the social and physical isolation experienced by a growing number of those living in the community.

An interface to virtual environments for people who are blind using Wii technology ‐ mental models and navigation

Accessible games, both for serious and for entertainment purposes, would allow inclusion and participation for those with disabilities. Research into the development of accessible games, and accessible virtual environments, is discussed. Research into accessible Virtual Environments has demonstrated great potential for allowing people who are blind to explore new spaces, reduce their reliance on guides and aid development of more efficient spatial maps and strategies. Importantly, Lahav and Mioduser (2005, 2008) have demonstrated that, when exploring virtual spaces, people who are blind use more and different strategies than when exploring real physical spaces, and develop relatively accurate spatial representations of them. The present paper describes the design, development and evaluation of a system in which a virtual environment may be explored by people who are blind using Nintendo Wii devices, with auditory and haptic feedback. The nature of the various types of feedback is considered, with the aim of creating an intuitive and usable system. Using Wii technology has many advantages: it is mainstream, readily available and cheap. The potential of the system for exploration and navigation is demonstrated. Results strongly support the possibilities of the system for facilitating and supporting the construction of cognitive maps and spatial strategies. Intelligent support is discussed. Systems such as the present one will facilitate the development of accessible games, and thus enable Universal Design and accessible interactive technology to become more accepted and widespread.