An Accessible Toolkit for 360 VR Studies

Abstract

Virtual reality is expected to play a significant role in the transformation of education and psychological studies. The possibilities for its application as a visual research method can be enhanced as established frameworks and toolkits are made more available to users, not just developers, advocates, and technical academics, enhancing its controlled study impact. With an accessible first design approach, we can overcome accessibility constraints and tap into new research potential. The open-sourced toolkit demonstrates how game engine technologies can be utilized to immerse participants in a 360-video environment with curated text displayed at pre-set intervals. Allowing for researchers to guide participants through virtual experiences intuitively through a desktop application while the study unfolds in the users VR headset.