Wheelchair Simulator
This VR Wheelchair Simulator was developed as part of a research project aimed at raising awareness of the everyday struggles faced by wheelchair users in public spaces. Through three immersive scenarios—navigating traffic, shopping in a supermarket, and dealing with limited parking availability—users were placed in a virtual wheelchair and tasked with overcoming real-world challenges. The simulation aimed to highlight both common and overlooked obstacles, encouraging empathy and a deeper understanding of accessibility issues. The project, set to be published at the Universal Design 2024 conference, showed a measurable increase in awareness among participants who experienced the VR environment, compared to those who didn’t.
The experience was created with three distinct scenarios in mind:
- Scenario 1: Traffic Navigation – Crossing busy streets, avoiding obstacles, and confronting hazards wheelchair users face in everyday movement.
- Scenario 2: Supermarket Challenges – Encountering inaccessible shelves, narrow aisles, and inconsiderate design, highlighting mobility limitations in public spaces.
- Scenario 3: Parking Dilemmas – Struggling with inconsiderate parking practices that make accessible spaces difficult to use.
My Role & Skills Used
I led the UX and interaction design for this VR experience, focusing on creating a user-centered, sensory-rich environment. I designed the supermarket level, ensuring both common and hidden challenges wheelchair users face were accurately represented. I developed spatial UI elements to minimize cognitive overload, using sound design, visual cues, and an in-game assistant to guide users through the experience. Additionally, I worked on shaders, particle effects, and interactive scripts (lighting, object manipulation, stage changes) to enhance immersion and engagement. By integrating feedback systems and adjusting the user’s journey in VR, I aimed to create an intuitive yet impactful experience.
The Assistant (Daisy) was created using customized AI Generative Voice, custom scripting and UI layers.
UX Showcase
Below is a video showcasing some of the elements in the experience. This includes the spatial UI, Assistant, particle effects and level design.
Disclaimer: The video was a recorded using the Valve Index, the footage might appear unstable and cause discomfort.