Universally Designed Virtual Reality: Creating Inclusive and Immersive Learning Experiences with 'VRinDanger'

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of VRinDanger, a universally designed (UD) educational virtual reality (VR) application aimed at providing an inclusive and immersive learning experience focused on the world’s deadliest animals. A mixed-methods study involving participants with diverse ages, skills, and abilities was conducted to evaluate the application's accessibility, usability, user experience, and educational effectiveness in terms of learning outcomes. The findings demonstrate that integrating UD principles into VR design significantly improves accessibility, enhances user satisfaction, and promotes engagement and retention of educational content for diverse audiences. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for cost-effective, cross-platform VR solutions and the development of VR-specific accessibility guidelines. These insights contribute to the advancement of inclusive VR design and its broader application in educational technology.