Visual impairments simulation in virtual reality as an empathy booster

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, currently live with a significant disability. This number is growing due to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases and longer life expectancy. It is estimated that most people will experience a temporary disability at least once in their lifetime. Despite recent progress, persons with disabilities continue to face challenges in social and labor market inclusion, often due to a widespread lack of awareness of their daily struggles. In response to this critical issue, this paper seeks to promote awareness by inviting the user into a world of visual impairments through an innovative simulation of these conditions within a virtual environment. Within this immersive experience, users engage in a series of tests that challenge them to perform seemingly simple tasks while navigating the complexities of 18 different visual impairments. This research, validated by the participation of 60 users, relies on objective metrics such as reaction time and accuracy to quantify the profound impact of these impairments on task performance. Beyond the quantitative measurements, an online pre- and post-test questionnaire reveals a remarkable transformation in participants - an increase in empathy. The results of the study not only underscore the fact that a true understanding of the challenges faced by people with visual impairments often requires first-hand experience, but also illuminate the power of such experiences in fostering empathy and raising awareness. As a result, the proposed application contributes to a broader understanding of the challenges posed by visual impairments and the importance of promoting universal design approaches and initiatives.