Virtual Reality Campus Navigation Incorporating Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
摘要
Virtual Reality (VR) is a rapidly evolving technology with numerous practical applications, offering immersive experiences that replicate real-world environments. With advancements in VR technology and more accessible hardware, VR has been widely utilized in education, training, entertainment, tourism, and beyond. This study presents a VR application designed for an interactive campus exploration experience that incorporates the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). Many digital campus tour applications exist to help new students and visitors navigate university spaces, but from a user experience (UX) design perspective, static tours or general information may not sufficiently address the diverse needs of students. The VR application introduced in this study provides a fully navigable re-creation of the campus, allowing users to walk or wheel and explore the environment in an interactive and personalized way. By integrating IDEA principles, the application tailors campus information to users based on their backgrounds and specific needs, enhancing accessibility and engagement. This study discusses related work, details the development of the VR application, illustrates how IDEA is incorporated, presents usability test findings, and outlines potential future improvements.