Accessible virtual reality for library orientation: A user-centered approach for visually impaired learners in inclusive education
Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly applied in education, yet most systems remain inaccessible to visually impaired learners. This study addresses that gap by developing a user-centered VR platform to support library orientation for visually impaired university students. Conducted at a Thai univers...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Social Sciences and Humanities Open |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291125003584 |
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| author | Yakannut Yensathit Pakinee Ariya Kannikar Intawong Kitti Puritat |
| author_facet | Yakannut Yensathit Pakinee Ariya Kannikar Intawong Kitti Puritat |
| author_sort | Yakannut Yensathit |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly applied in education, yet most systems remain inaccessible to visually impaired learners. This study addresses that gap by developing a user-centered VR platform to support library orientation for visually impaired university students. Conducted at a Thai university, the research employed a research and development methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection through usability testing, satisfaction questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. A digital twin of the university library was created using Unity and deployed on Meta Quest 2, incorporating assistive features such as spatial audio cues, adjustable text, customizable lighting and contrast, and alerts for grade separation. Eight visually impaired students participated in the evaluation. Quantitative results showed a moderate usability score (average SUS = 67.83), while qualitative feedback emphasized the value of adjustable text and audio cues, with suggestions for improved personalization of contrast settings and audio speed. The study demonstrates the feasibility of inclusive VR design and provides practical insights for supporting visually impaired students, offering guidance for educators, developers, and policymakers seeking to advance digital accessibility and equity in higher education. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ef65f68a2e464f68ab12c43dccbaa4fa |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2590-2911 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Social Sciences and Humanities Open |
| spelling | doaj-art-ef65f68a2e464f68ab12c43dccbaa4fa2025-08-20T02:09:52ZengElsevierSocial Sciences and Humanities Open2590-29112025-01-011110163010.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101630Accessible virtual reality for library orientation: A user-centered approach for visually impaired learners in inclusive educationYakannut Yensathit0Pakinee Ariya1Kannikar Intawong2Kitti Puritat3Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, ThailandCollege of Art, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, ThailandFaculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, ThailandDepartment of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand; Corresponding author.Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly applied in education, yet most systems remain inaccessible to visually impaired learners. This study addresses that gap by developing a user-centered VR platform to support library orientation for visually impaired university students. Conducted at a Thai university, the research employed a research and development methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection through usability testing, satisfaction questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. A digital twin of the university library was created using Unity and deployed on Meta Quest 2, incorporating assistive features such as spatial audio cues, adjustable text, customizable lighting and contrast, and alerts for grade separation. Eight visually impaired students participated in the evaluation. Quantitative results showed a moderate usability score (average SUS = 67.83), while qualitative feedback emphasized the value of adjustable text and audio cues, with suggestions for improved personalization of contrast settings and audio speed. The study demonstrates the feasibility of inclusive VR design and provides practical insights for supporting visually impaired students, offering guidance for educators, developers, and policymakers seeking to advance digital accessibility and equity in higher education.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291125003584Virtual realityVisually impaired studentsLibrary orientationEducational technologyUser-centered designAccessibility |
| spellingShingle | Yakannut Yensathit Pakinee Ariya Kannikar Intawong Kitti Puritat Accessible virtual reality for library orientation: A user-centered approach for visually impaired learners in inclusive education Social Sciences and Humanities Open Virtual reality Visually impaired students Library orientation Educational technology User-centered design Accessibility |
| title | Accessible virtual reality for library orientation: A user-centered approach for visually impaired learners in inclusive education |
| title_full | Accessible virtual reality for library orientation: A user-centered approach for visually impaired learners in inclusive education |
| title_fullStr | Accessible virtual reality for library orientation: A user-centered approach for visually impaired learners in inclusive education |
| title_full_unstemmed | Accessible virtual reality for library orientation: A user-centered approach for visually impaired learners in inclusive education |
| title_short | Accessible virtual reality for library orientation: A user-centered approach for visually impaired learners in inclusive education |
| title_sort | accessible virtual reality for library orientation a user centered approach for visually impaired learners in inclusive education |
| topic | Virtual reality Visually impaired students Library orientation Educational technology User-centered design Accessibility |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291125003584 |
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