VR Empathy Lab

VR Empathy Lab

VR Empathy Lab is an immersive simulator that allows users to experience the daily challenges faced by elderly individuals and people with various sensory and motor impairments. The application utilizes virtual reality technology, advanced simulation mechanics, and additional equipment such as VR treadmills and joint-weighted vests to ensure full immersion in realistic scenarios. The project’s goal is to increase social awareness and enhance the professional competencies of individuals working in healthcare, transportation, architecture, and customer service.

Client

Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu

Project

VR App

Technology

Unity

Project Background

VR Empathy Lab was developed in response to the growing need for a better understanding of the everyday difficulties experienced by elderly individuals and people with mobility or sensory limitations. Through VR technology, users can not only observe but also personally experience restrictions resulting from reduced mobility, vision impairments, or neurological conditions.

Virtual reality, combined with carefully selected physical equipment (VR treadmills, weighted vests, mobility simulators), enables realistic recreation of these difficulties in various urban and indoor environments.

Development Process

1. User Needs Analysis

During the conceptual stage, real-life barriers encountered by people with mobility and sensory limitations were analyzed. A list of situations that could be realistically simulated in VR was developed, including:

Navigating a city as an elderly person or someone with mobility restrictions,
Using public transportation with various impairments,
Interacting in public spaces from the perspective of a visually, hearing, or mobility-impaired person.

2. Environment and Interface Design

Realistic virtual environments were created, including train stations, bus stops, elevators, shops, and offices, where users can experience daily challenges. These environments were designed to include various architectural obstacles and specific mechanics tailored to each simulated impairment.

3. Implementation of Advanced VR Mechanics

Advanced immersive mechanics were integrated to allow users to:

Move in a virtual wheelchair with a realistic control model,
Navigate using a virtual cane for visually impaired individuals,
Experience mobility restrictions through joint-weighted vests and VR treadmills,
Feel hand tremors simulating Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

4. Development of Educational Modules and Interaction Scenarios

Various thematic modules were designed, allowing users to assume the roles of individuals with different limitations and attempt to complete daily tasks, such as:

Hearing-impaired individuals – interacting with government officials and utilizing various forms of visual communication.
Elderly individuals – crossing a busy street and reaching a train station with reduced mobility and impaired vision.
People with Parkinson’s disease – performing precise tasks such as selecting an elevator button or purchasing a ticket while experiencing hand tremors.
Visually impaired individuals – navigating the city using a virtual cane and identifying obstacles through sound and touch.
Wheelchair users – overcoming architectural barriers in urban spaces and public buildings.

5. Testing and Optimization

The project underwent testing with users of varying VR experience levels. A key aspect of testing was adjusting the difficulty level and intuitiveness of interactions to ensure a realistic yet comfortable experience.

VR Empathy Lab is available on Meta Quest and Steam VR, allowing for broad applications in both academic education and professional training. Future expansions include additional scenarios and integration with haptic feedback systems to further enhance immersion.