QUALITATIVE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
VR DESIGN
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Exploring Interactive VR
User Manuals for Older Adults
OVERVIEW
I conducted an independent study exploring the perceptions, usability, and possible adaptation of interactive virtual reality-based user manuals designed to learn maker space tools for older adults residing in senior living communities.
Sep 2023 - Present
On-going project
Solo!
UX Researcher and Designer
Qualitative research and analysis
VR design and prototyping
DURATION
TEAM
ROLE
SKILLS
ABOUT THE PROJECT
I independently initiated a study to investigate the feasibility of teaching maker space tools to older adults through Extended Reality (XR). This initiative builds upon a prior research project focused on developing user manuals for diverse maker space tools within a senior living community as part of THAT Lab (The Health, Aging, and Technology lab), led by Prof. Amanda Lazar.
PROBLEM
The previous research with the senior living community highlighted the need for exploring novel ways to learn maker space tools for older adults.
The lack of staff members and complex user manuals were insufficient to encourage and teach older adults to use maker space tools.
SOLUTION
Exploring a more immersive, accessible, and hands-on way of teaching maker space tools through XR.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS / IMPACT / LEARNINGS
I managed to get the preliminary study done within 2 months by creating a prototype using Bezi.
I single-handedly managed to run qualitative studies with four older adults living in the senior community.
I uncovered the potential of an unexplored domain of using VR for teaching older adults, rather than focusing on non-interactive travel experiences.
I learned to navigate the ambiguity and unexpected turns that come with academic research.
PROTOTYPING
I used Bezi (XR prototyping tool) to create a quick prototype for concept testing
My initial approach involved quickly building a prototype for concept testing with older adults. I opted for Bezi, a tool that allowed me to create a prototype within a month, enabling quick validation of the solution.
Main menu / Home screen
"Learn 3D printer" elements
This section explains the different parts of the 3D printer using a 3D model. It uses a 3D arrow to point at different parts and changes orientation to see the part being pointed in 3D. After introducing the parts, it also shows and explains a step-by-step process to print a box.
1) Introducing different parts of the 3D printer
2) Explaining a step-by-step process to print a box
"Introduction to 3D printer" elements
This section is intended to give users a basic overview of what is possible to print using the 3D printer and shows different relatable examples to motivate.
"Troubleshoot 3D printer" elements
This section is meant to provide steps to troubleshoot a few problems by showing the target part in 3D.
