Inclusive AR/VR: Accessibility Barriers for Immersive Technologies

Creed, Chris and Al-Kalbani, Maadh and Theil, Arthur and Sarcar, Sayan and Williams, Ian (2023) Inclusive AR/VR: Accessibility Barriers for Immersive Technologies. Universal Access in the Information Society. ISSN 1615-5289

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Abstract

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) hold significant potential to trans-form how we communicate, collaborate, and interact with others. However, there has been a lack of work to date investigating accessibility barriers in relation to immersive technologies for people with disabilities. To address cur-rent gaps in knowledge, we led two multidisciplinary Sandpits with key stakeholders (including academic researchers, AR/VR industry specialists, people with lived experience of disability, assistive technologists, and representatives from national charities and special needs colleges) to collaboratively explore and identify existing challenges with AR and VR experiences. We present key themes that emerged from Sandpit activities and map out the interaction barriers identified across a spectrum of impairments (including physical, cognitive, visual, and auditory disabilities). We conclude with recommendations for future work addressing the challenges highlighted to sup-port the development of more inclusive AR and VR experiences.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-023-00969-0
Dates:	Date Event 18 January 2023 Accepted 2 February 2023 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	accessibility, virtual reality, augmented reality, inclusive design
Subjects:	CAH11 - computing > CAH11-01 - computing > CAH11-01-01 - computer science
Divisions:	Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > School of Computing and Digital Technology
Depositing User:	Chris Creed
Date Deposited:	14 Mar 2023 14:18
Last Modified:	22 Mar 2023 12:00
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/14215

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