Yi YJ, Heidari Matin N, Brannan D, Johnson M, Nguyen A. “Design Considerations for Virtual Reality Intervention for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review.” HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/19375867241271434
This systematic review by Yi, et al., thoroughly explores the design principles and strategies necessary to create effective Virtual Reality (VR) interventions for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The study highlights the growing role of VR in supporting individuals with IDD, focusing on both educational and therapeutic applications. It emphasizes the need for user-centered design that considers the cognitive, sensory, and motor capabilities of people with IDD.
Main Findings
The authors conducted an in-depth review of studies that used VR as an intervention tool, analyzing the methodologies, participant outcomes, and technological requirements unique to this population. They identified several key design considerations:
Accessibility: Ensuring that VR experiences are accessible, including considerations for sensory sensitivities, simplified navigation, and tailored interaction methods.
Customization: The need for adaptable content that can be modified based on individual needs, allowing for personalization in learning and therapeutic exercises.
Engagement and Motivation: The importance of creating an engaging environment to maintain the attention of users with IDD, noting that gamified elements and interactive feedback can enhance motivation.
Safety and Comfort: Ensuring physical and psychological safety through controlled environments that minimize disorientation, discomfort, and frustration.
Strengths of Article
The study’s search originally located 939 studies from 7 databases. After initial screening with exclusion criteria, the study eliminated all but 27 articles, which included 868 participants. The robust sample size supports the generalizability of the findings.
This paper is valuable for researchers, developers, and educators interested in VR applications for special needs populations. The authors’ systematic approach to analyzing existing studies provides a clear and comprehensive foundation for future development. Their identification of design considerations is well-supported by literature and provides actionable insights for designing inclusive and effective VR interventions.
Conclusion
Overall, Yi et al.’s review is a significant contribution to the growing field of VR interventions for individuals with IDD. Their focus on practical design principles, coupled with a comprehensive analysis of current research, makes this paper an essential resource for those seeking to innovate in VR-based education and therapy for special needs. This study lays a foundation for developing VR applications that are inclusive, accessible, and effective, paving the way for enhanced learning and therapeutic opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.