Evaluating 3D Printed VR Controller Prototypes to Increase VR Accessibility for Older Adults

Aaron Gluck, Hannah Solini, Kuntal Maiti, Julian Brinkley

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is transforming how technology benefits society, including the areas of training, socialization, and entertainment. While VR's growth has been substantial, VR hardware and applications are inaccessible in many ways, excluding a large population from experiencing its benefits. Current VR controllers potentially create an accessibility barrier for older adults who may experience confusion with the complexity of buttons, triggers, and joysticks. In the presented work, we recruited ten older adult participants to develop and evaluate 3D printed VR controller prototypes for usability and learnability. A series of participatory design focus groups discussed participants' needs, opinions, and design preferences, while usability scales evaluated the prototypes. Iterations were implemented between sessions based on this feedback to further refine the designs. Findings suggest that a simplified VR controller layout can decrease confusion and increase learnability, potentially improving older adults' ability to interact with virtual environments.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2022 IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems, ICHMS 2022
EditorsDavid Kaber, Antonio Guerrieri, Giancarlo Fortino, Andreas Nurnberger
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665452380
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event3rd IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems, ICHMS 2022 - Orlando, United States
Duration: 17 Nov 202219 Nov 2022

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2022 IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems, ICHMS 2022

Conference

Conference3rd IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems, ICHMS 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period17/11/2219/11/22

Keywords

  • 3D Printing
  • Accessibility
  • Order Adults
  • Virtual Reality

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