Virtual Reality App Research Articles

Research on Virtual Reality App Design in the Perspective of Art Healing

In contemporary society, individuals commonly face emotional problems of stress and anxiety from multiple sources, which usually arise when facing challenges, pressure, or uncertainty. Understanding one's stress and anxiety responses, as well as learning to cope with them effectively, has a crucial impact on maintaining physical and mental health and improving the quality of life. To cope with this phenomenon, this paper, from the perspective of art healing, through an in-depth study of a variety of healing apps and healing tools commonly used in psychological studios, uses virtual reality technology to achieve multi-sensory channel stimulation and designs a game app that combines art healing and virtual reality technology, which, through personalized gaming sessions, enables the user to focus on his or her feelings during the game to improve the therapeutic effect, with the aim of Create a peaceful relaxation space for users, through an in-depth study of a variety of healing apps and psychological studio commonly used healing means, combined with multi-sensory channel stimulation. Explore the possibility of combining art healing and virtual reality technology, and provide theoretical and practical support for the progress and innovation of the art healing field.

Tipping the canoe: What can be learned from a postdigital analysis of augmented and virtual reality in networked learning?

In this paper, the authors use a postdigital lens to examine augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) as potentially effective tools for networked learning. The postdigital perspective suggests that the ‘digital’ is so pervasive that it is no longer considered novel or noteworthy; rather, it is so embedded in our day-to-day lives that it now evades notice. This examination draws upon the concepts of analogue and digital to explore ontological and epistemological characteristics of AR and VR as well as how media and materials may shift on a continuum or manifest both characteristics concurrently. Two vignettes are used to create a shared context and atmosphere from which to consider the pedagogical use of these technologies. One vignette describes a VR app that invites the learners into a canoe where they are immersed into a lesson about Indigenous constellations; the second describes an AR app in which the learners direct their smartphones up at the sky also to learn about constellations. While the learning goals are similar, the experiences are differently nuanced. The paper offers a discussion of considerations that may be useful in designing learning experiences with these technologies. The authors discuss the analogue and digital characteristics as well as the freedoms and constraints relative to sites of learning, activities, learner configurations, and representations of learning. A postdigital analysis benefits from ‘shifting work’; that is, much can be learned from shifting between analogue and digital. Such shifting may surface failures, depletion of resources, and the emergence of new entities. The value of examining the digital, analogue, ontology, and epistemology of AR and VR is that it helps to make the human-technology relationship more perceptible. In becoming more aware of the taken-for-granted aspects of learning technologies, it is possible to more effectively design for learning.

Less Cybersickness, Please: Demystifying and Detecting Stereoscopic Visual Inconsistencies in Virtual Reality Apps

Less Cybersickness, Please: Demystifying and Detecting Stereoscopic Visual Inconsistencies in Virtual Reality Apps

Improving Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorders with an Immersive Virtual Reality Remediation Training Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).

Background: Health-related quality of life (H-QoL) is a critical measure in bipolar disorder (BD). Recent trials using virtual reality (VR) have shown potential in improving H-QoL. However, VR's effect on the H-QoL of people with BD needs to be further explored. Methods: This study involved a secondary analysis of a feasibility randomized controlled trial, focusing on "quality of life". Participants (aged 18-75) diagnosed with bipolar disorder were randomized into two groups. The experimental group used the CEREBRUM VR app, while the control group received the usual care. Quality of life was assessed using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Results: A total of 39 individuals in the experimental group and 25 in the control group represent the final samples. The results showed a greater improvement in the SF-12 total score in the experimental group (8.7%) compared to the control group (F = 66.851 p < 0.0001), specifically in the dimension of physical activity limitation, emotional impact, concentration, pain, calmness, energy levels, discouragement, and social activities. Conclusions: This study demonstrated an improvement in QoL for individuals with BD following a VR intervention. As a feasibility study, this secondary outcome needs to be confirmed by further phase III studies. If confirmed, VR could offer valuable rehabilitation tools and insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of BD.

Technology Integration in Physical Education: Exploring the Use of Wearable Devices and Virtual Reality for Enhancing Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes

The incorporation of technology into physical education (PE), with a particular emphasis on the use of virtual reality (VR) apps and wearable devices. As technological advancements continue, educators are looking at novel approaches to improve learning outcomes and increase student engagement in physical education (PE) settings. Students and instructors can receive useful feedback on their levels of physical activity and performance through the use of wearable devices like as fitness trackers and heart rate monitors. These devices offer chances for real-time data collecting and analysis. Through the use of virtual reality apps, students are able to completely submerge themselves in simulated settings, which enables them to engage in learning experiences that are both interactive and immersive. By introducing virtual reality (VR) technology and wearable devices into physical education (PE) curriculum and training, teachers are able to create dynamic and interactive learning environments that adapt to the varied needs and interests of their students. This article discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and best practices related with the use of virtual reality (VR) and wearable devices in physical education (PE), as well as offers suggestions for properly integrating these technologies in order to improve student engagement and learning results.

Knowledge and Utilization of Digital Applications for Effective Service Delivery in Academic Libraries in South-South Universities, Nigeria

This study investigated knowledge and utilization of digital applications for effective service delivery in academic libraries in South-South universities, Nigeria. 3 research questions and 3 hypotheses were raised. The population included 181 selected Librarians in the twelve (12) selected universities in South-South, Nigeria as a case study. A sample size of 119 Librarians representing 66% of the population served as respondents. Convenience sampling technique was used for the study. A 25-item questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to obtain 0.73 reliability. Mean/standard deviation were used for research questions and z-test statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result amongst others revealed that, Librarian in both federal and state universities are knowledgeable about Library Catalogue Apps, Library Card and Account Management Apps, Digital Preservation and Archives Apps and others. Meanwhile, Librarians in both federal and state universities poorly utilize Digital Citation Management Apps, Digital Library Card and Account Management Apps and Digital Preservation and Archives Apps. The analysis also shows that, Librarians do not utilize Digital Augmented and Virtual Reality Apps, Digital Library Events and Notifications Apps, Reading and E-Book Apps, Digital Study and Collaboration Apps and Quick Response (QR) Codes scanners. The challenges academic libraries face in promoting digital applications are inadequate skilled staff to operate digital libraries, difficulty in the enforcement of intellectual property rights, non-utilization of digital library Apps.

Could virtual reality be the next approach for international students learning Maltese?

AbstractThis study examines the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology in language learning, specifically for the Maltese language. Despite the popularity and advancement of VR, its use in teaching minor languages like Maltese has not been extensively explored. The concern is that the lack of technological resources may lead to the extinction of the Maltese language in the digital world. The study utilizes a primarily qualitative research methodology, with a minor quantitative component, to collect data from twenty-five teachers regarding the use of VR in Maltese language learning contexts. The findings reveal both the potential benefits and challenges of using VR in teaching Maltese as a second language (ML2). Although the participants have not used VR for teaching Maltese due to the absence of Maltese VR apps, they have experience with VR in English. They praise VR for its ability to create an immersive and engaging learning environment with entertaining features. However, the study also highlights several challenges associated with VR, including high costs, the bulkiness of headsets, and technical issues. It underscores the pressing need for additional research and development in this field to ensure the preservation of the Maltese language in the digital era.

The effects of positive and negative intergroup contact in virtual reality on outgroup attitudes: Testing the contact hypothesis and its mediators

Virtual reality (VR) expands the opportunities for meaningful intergroup contact, surpassing the perceived naturalism and emotional salience of other online contact experiences. By embodying an avatar of ingroup characteristics, one can interact with outgroup members in a shared virtual space while maintaining a high sense of body ownership and copresence. Two studies conducted in Finland ( N = 53) and Italy ( N = 134) assessed the impact of intergroup contact in VR on implicit and explicit attitudes towards Black people. Utilizing the VR app AltspaceVR, participants were immersed in a virtual environment as White avatars to play an interactive game with another player represented as a Black (intergroup contact) or White avatar (intragroup contact). In Study 1, the avatars played the game as a team to win against other teams. The participants’ attitudes were assessed both pre- and postcontact using questionnaires and the Implicit Association Test (IAT). In Study 2, participants were randomly assigned to either cooperate (play as a team) or compete (play against each other) in the game. The IAT and explicit attitudes were measured postcontact. The findings from both studies revealed that cooperative contact with a Black avatar led to improved attitudes towards Black people. While Study 1 demonstrated an improvement in explicit attitudes, Study 2 demonstrated positive effects of contact at the implicit level exclusively. Additionally, the positive impact of contact on implicit attitudes was observed following cooperative, rather than competitive, intergroup interactions.

Metaverse in in the geography lecture classroom? Evaluating ‘group VR’ possibilities using the multiplayer ‘Wooorld’ VR app

ABSTRACT With the introduction of in-class group-based virtual reality (VR), multiple students can interact in a single shared “metaverse”. One geography-focused group VR option is the Wooorld app, available on various Meta Quest unit models. To evaluate the feasibility of group VR in a higher education geography lecture classroom, a pilot study was run for two days with a small, upper-level Urban Geography class at Arkansas Tech University in spring 2023. Using multiple wireless Meta Quest 2 headsets, the class collectively used the Wooorld app to visit 3D-rendered global downtowns. Inside the app, students saw each other’s avatars and manipulated the viewing area for the rest of the class. Students completed pre/post-experience surveys, and the data suggest strong student enthusiasm for shared VR, and for Wooorld. However, some technical and physical space issues arose. While this pilot study aimed to evaluate the potential of classroom group VR via the Wooorld app, this study also considers the possibility of using group VR in future geography lecture classrooms.

Greater usage and positive mood change for users of a dynamic VR app before and after the COVID-19 pandemic onset.

Americans reported an increase in stress during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Virtual reality (VR) apps have been shown to distract users from stressors in the environment, but little is known about the efficacy of specific content features to reduce stress or improve mood for consumer users during a pandemic. The present study investigated secondary archival data to explore how mood and usage behavior changed before and after the onset of COVID-19 for consumer users of a VR app with dynamic, interactive content. Study findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on user behavior and mood. Users created more accounts and used app content more often during the pandemic, while reporting increased negative mood states. This suggests that users were motivated to use the content to cope with pandemic stressors. Users also experienced a greater positive mood change after using the content during the pandemic than before, which implies that elements related to the VR app content met users' psychological needs. Passive content with less interactivity resulted in a greater positive mood state after the COVID-19 onset, likely related to its capacity to reduce stress, facilitate restoration, and improve persistent affective states in stressful environments. This study offers a vital window into how consumer users respond to psychosocial pandemic stressors outside of a controlled environment as well as the prospective for VR app content to serve as a valuable mental health intervention during similar stressful events.

Novel Virtual Reality App for Training Patients on MRI-guided Radiation Therapy

PurposePatients receiving respiratory gated magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiation therapy (MRIgRT) for abdominal targets must hold their breath for ≥25 seconds at a time. Virtual reality (VR) has shown promise for improving patient education and experience for diagnostic MRI scan acquisition. We aimed to develop and pilot-test the first VR app to educate, train, and reduce anxiety and discomfort in patients preparing to receive MRIgRT. Methods and MaterialsA multidisciplinary team iteratively developed a new VR app with patient input. The app begins with minigames to help orient patients to using the VR device and to train patients on breath-holding. Next, app users are introduced to the MRI linear accelerator vault and practice breath-holding during MRIgRT. In this quality improvement project, clinic personnel and MRIgRT-eligible patients with pancreatic cancer tested the VR app for feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy for training patients on using breath-holding during MRIgRT. ResultsThe new VR app experience was tested by 19 patients and 67 clinic personnel. The experience was completed on average in 18.6 minutes (SD = 5.4) by patients and in 14.9 (SD = 3.5) minutes by clinic personnel. Patients reported the app was “extremely helpful” (58%) or “very helpful” (32%) for learning breath-holding used in MRIgRT and “extremely helpful” (28%) or “very helpful (50%) for reducing anxiety. Patients and clinic personnel also provided qualitative feedback on improving future versions of the VR app. ConclusionThe VR app was feasible and acceptable for training patients on breath-holding for MRIgRT. Patients eligible for MRIgRT for pancreatic cancer and clinic personnel reported on future improvements to the app to enhance its usability and efficacy.

Current status and future development of digital therapeutics

Background: Digital therapeutics, evidence-based software applications, offer preventive measures for various diseases and enhance healthcare accessibility and change. This article explores the current status and future trajectory of these devices.Current Concepts: Digital therapeutics prioritize a patient-centered approach. Historically, healthcare relied heavily on prescribed treatments during hospital visits. However, these devices provide objective data on patient symptoms through real-time digital monitoring. They also foster advancements in biotechnology and information technology, leading to improved patient care through technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality apps. Rigorous clinical trials are crucial for these devices, and integrating digital technology is proving increasingly efficient, particularly for decentralized clinical trials. Despite initial promise, challenges abound. While an international leader in this sector gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, it recently filed for bankruptcy. Similarly, companies employing gaming techniques for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment experienced lackluster performance. In Korea, the domestic digital therapeutics ecosystem stagnates with limited new approvals. High dropout rates and low user engagement remain major hurdles. Addressing these issues requires a design focused on user experience and motivation.Discussion and Conclusion: Digital therapeutic devices, coupled with digital monitoring, are poised to revolutionize healthcare into a patient-centered ecosystem. Establishing this ecosystem demands collaboration among patients, medical professionals, developers, and regulatory agencies. Continuous regulatory innovation, such as shortening the medical device evaluation process from 390 days to 80 days, is vital for progress.

Overview of 5G Technology: Streamlined Virtual Event Experiences

This abstract examines how virtual event experiences may be altered by 5G technology through improved connection and immersive interactivity. This essay looks at how 5G networks could offer faster data speeds, extremely low latency, and more network capacity. These advancements enable smooth content transmission, real-time communication, and the use of virtual reality apps. Furthermore, it highlights how 5G is affecting a number of industries, including business, education, and entertainment, and it demonstrates how it may be used to build virtual environments that accurately capture the atmosphere of real events.

Optimizing graphics for understanding real-scene using 3D image registration and tracking and mapping

A satisfactory graphic design and good-looking 3D models and environments are the backbones of a positive user experience, especially in Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) app development. Where these technologies is seen as the an excellent realm of human-computer interaction. The purpose is to fool the viewer by the seamless incorporation of simulated features. Every AR system relies on true interaction and three-dimensional registration to function properly. In this research, we present a strategy for real-world 3D image registration and tracking. The primary foci of this study are the first three stages: initial registrations and matrix acquisitions, road scene feature extraction, and virtual information registration. At initial registration, a rough virtual plane is estimated onto which the objects will be projected. To this, we propose YoloV3 for transferring features from a virtual to a real-world setting. The projection process concludes with a guess at the camera’s posture matrix. This tech is used in the vehicle’s head-up display to augment reality. The average time required to register a virtual item is 43 seconds. The final step in making augmented reality content is to merge the computer-generated images of virtual objects with real-world photographs in full colour. Our results indicate that this method is effective and precise for 3D photo registration but has the potential to dramatically increase the verisimilitude of AR systems.

HUMAN FACTORS ISSUES IN THE DESIGN OF VIRTUAL REALITY TO SUPPORT OLDER ADULTS’ SOCIAL AND COGNITIVE ENGAGEMENT

Abstract Emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) hold tremendous potential to improve the lives of older adults, including the opportunity to support social and cognitive engagement. However, this potential will only be realized if VR technologies and applications (apps) are well-designed, considering the needs, preferences, and abilities of older people. To explore and understand design barriers ahead of a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a psychosocial VR intervention for older adults, a team of eight evaluators who underwent standardized and comprehensive training on how to perform a heuristic analysis assessed the design of 28 commercial VR apps. Apps were chosen for their potential to support social interactions, enhance cultural opportunities, facilitate new learning, or support leisure activities. Each app was evaluated based on the Nielsen Norman Group’s ten usability heuristics. For different VR components (hardware, app menus, VR environment), this analysis highlighted specific heuristic violations, examined the general human factors of these apps, and identified positive design elements while suggesting solutions for observed heuristic violations. The heuristic analysis revealed significant usability challenges, especially in areas like “System Status Visibility,” “User Control and Freedom,” and “Help and Documentation.” The primary system components exhibiting these heuristic violations were the “User Interface” and “Virtual Environment.” It was concluded that current virtual reality systems do not adequately address human factors issues, particularly considering the needs and abilities of older adult users. Based on this extensive evaluation, training and design solutions will be presented and VR guidelines for older adults will be introduced.

A virtual reality eyes disease experience for undergraduate nursing students: A phenomenological study protocol

Amongst those responsible for the prevention of ocular diseases, registered nurses certainly play an essential role; however, the literature reports that the awareness/consideration of this type of disease by nurses and nursing students can be improved. It is, therefore, appropriate to carry out educational interventions aimed at increasing consideration/awareness of eye diseases consequences through virtual simulation; moreover, the students' experience during this type of activity still needs to be investigated. Therefore, this study aims to explore the experience of glaucoma and cataract sight virtual simulation among Italian nursing students with a qualitative, multi-centric phenomenological research. Bachelor nursing students from different universities in Italy will explore what it means to live with eye diseases through a virtual reality APP. Colaizzi's approach will be used to assess student experiences, investigated through an interview, a pre-experience questionnaire and side notes on student behavior during the experience and the interviews.

A case study of a virtual reality-based drink driving educational tool

Road traffic accidents are of major concern and could be reduced by better education. This paper describes the development of a virtual reality (VR) app that mimics the effects of alcohol on a driver. It was developed using Unity (version 2019.3.14), smartphone and Google Cardboard™. The user experiences a car following a predetermined route that is lined with trees and objects (traffic lights, road signs and other cars) which they need to spot and react to. By using graphical filters and time delays the driver has a feeling of being under the influence of alcohol. Twenty volunteers (18–60 years old; mean age ± sd 25.5 ± 11.6) participated in its evaluation. Data were collected on concentration times, reaction speed and observation of objects in both the alcohol simulated (impaired) and non-simulated (unimpaired) runs. Data were analysed using paired t-test. The result showed that people spent longer concentrating on objects in the impaired vs unimpaired run (10.72 ± 5.07 vs 5.30 ± 4.22 s n:20; p < 0.0001). The average reaction speed to objects in the unimpaired run was lower than in the impaired run (1.44 ± 0.66 vs 2.66 ± 0.28 s n:20; p < 0.001). Seventeen out of twenty subjects spotted all the required objects in the unimpaired whereas only seven out of twenty spotted all the objects in the impaired run (p < 0.001). The authors have shown that an inexpensive VR app can be used to demonstrate to users the effect that alcohol can have on concentration, reaction speeds and observational skills.

Mixed-Methods Assessment of a Virtual Reality-Based System for Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) (e.g., finances, mobility, and lack of awareness about the benefits of PR). Reducing these barriers by providing COPD patients with convenient access to PR educational and exercise training may help improve the adoption of PR. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that may provide an interactive and engaging method of supporting a home-based PR program. The goal of this study was to systematically evaluate the feasibility of a VR app for a home-based PR education and exercise program using a mixed-methods design. 18 COPD patients were asked to complete three brief tasks using a VR-based PR application. Afterward, patients completed a series of quantitative and qualitative assessments to evaluate the usability, acceptance, and overall perspectives and experience of using a VR system to engage with PR education and exercise training. The findings from this study demonstrate the high acceptability and usability of the VR system to promote participation in a PR program. Patients were able to successfully operate the VR system with minimal assistance. This study examines patient perspectives thoroughly while leveraging VR-based technology to facilitate access to PR. The future development and deployment of a patient-centered VR-based system in the future will consider patient insights and ideas to promote PR in COPD patients.

Virtual reality and augmented reality smartphone applications for upskilling care home workers in hand hygiene: a realist multi-site feasibility, usability, acceptability, and efficacy study.

To assess the feasibility and implementation, usability, acceptability and efficacy of virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) smartphone applications for upskilling care home workers in hand hygiene and to explore underlying learning mechanisms. Care homes in Northwest England were recruited. We took a mixed-methods and pre-test and post-test approach by analyzing uptake and completion rates of AR, immersive VR or non-immersive VR training, validated and bespoke questionnaires, observations, videos, and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data were analyzed using a combined inductive and deductive approach. Forty-eight care staff completed AR training (n = 19), immersive VR training (n = 21), or non-immersive VR training (n = 8). The immersive VR and AR training had good usability with System Usability Scale scores of 84.40 and 77.89 (of 100), respectively. They had high acceptability, with 95% of staff supporting further use. The non-immersive VR training had borderline poor usability, scoring 67.19 and only 63% would support further use. There was minimal improved knowledge, with an average of 6% increase to the knowledge questionnaire. Average hand hygiene technique scores increased from 4.77 (of 11) to 7.23 after the training. Repeated practice, task realism, feedback and reminding, and interactivity were important learning mechanisms triggered by AR/VR. Feasibility and implementation considerations included managerial support, physical space, providing support, screen size, lagging Internet, and fitting the headset. AR and immersive VR apps are feasible, usable, and acceptable for delivering training. Future work should explore whether they are more effective than previous training and ensure equity in training opportunities.

Optimizing Immersion: Analyzing Graphics and Performance Considerations in Unity3D VR Development

Aims: Virtual reality (VR) is a new approach that gives users an immersive experience. VR applications frequently experience performance bottlenecks due to the high processing cost of displaying real-time animations multiple times (for both eyes) and the limited resources of wearable devices, performance optimization serves a significant part in VR application development. The goal of this paper is to investigate approaches and techniques available in Unity3D to improve the immersion of VR in virtual reality. This entails studying visuals and performance elements to design more fluid and engaging VR apps.&#x0D; Study Design: Quantitative analysis.&#x0D; Methodology: Systematic literature reviews, Consensus on the design space for VR-based education would greatly benefit future advances. To do this, we use a systematic mapping technique to the literature, extracting essential data from papers indexed in four academic online databases.&#x0D; Results: VR applications include extra aspects like graphics rendering and actual time animation, performance improvements for VR apps might differ significantly from those for standard software. Fully immersive virtual environments vary from standard virtual reality environments in that they can record entire body movements. This skill enables users to engage with other avatars, computer-controlled entities, and artifacts in the virtual world using their complete range of physical activities. VR performance optimization, in essence, relates to the methods, tactics, and procedures used to ensure that VR experiences function as smoothly as feasible.&#x0D; Conclusion: This optimization might be performed on different kinds of technology, particularly low-end devices, without sacrificing visual fidelity or immersive experience. VR is well-known for. It is critical to optimize visuals as well as performance in Unity3D VR apps to produce immersive and engaging experiences. Balancing great aesthetics with seamless performance necessitates a thorough grasp of Unity's features as well as a dedication to constant optimization.