For Brits of our generation, the first understanding of virtual reality might have been the VR glasses used by Lister in the TV series Red Dwarf to have “sex.” Those a little older might remember the 1960s invention the Sensoramamachine, which played stereoscopic 3D films accompanied by sound, wind, aromas and chair-tilting.
Approaching 2017, Apple is rumored to be exploring VR, Google is expected to launch a new standalone VR headset to succeed Google Cardboard and PlayStation recently launched itsVR headset.
According to a report from Digi-Capital, investment in augmented reality and VR reached $1.1 billion in the first two months of this year.
,
,
Although sight loss might be the biggest inclusivity issue for developers to think about, it isn’t the only one.
For the 360 million people in the world with hearing loss, VR developers should be looking to sync up/provide real-time captions without delays, as well as offer alternatives to sound effects, such as vibration/haptic feedback — both of which would be beneficial for all users. The integration of recently invented SignAloud gloves would also be useful in VR to enable people who use sign language to communicate within the experience.
While a lot of the focus of VR is sensory, there are a number of considerations for those with physical disability rather than a sensory loss. Users in a wheelchair, for example, might enjoy VR as a way to “move” more easily around places their wheelchair can’t go, enabling them to climb mountains, or skateboard perhaps.
However, for those parts of a VR experience that do require a physical movement and which aren’t possible for some people, developers need to find ways through. We would suggest this include such measures as enabling a user to send signals or “move” using an eye tracker.
We love the fact that VR is already being used in some cases to help aid muscle memory recovery for things like stroke, too. Synthesized environments help people simulate walking and other movements. The video below shows a prototype of the Teslasuit — a wireless outfit that uses electro muscular stimulation and combines it with VR to make a more engaging experience.
,
Source: Tech Crunch