Co-designing a Virtual Reality Sensory Room with and for Individuals with Autism: An Iterative Prototyping Study
Introduction – What does my participation involve?
You are invited to take part in a research study aimed at developing a co-designed virtual reality (VR) sensory room for autistic adults. Your participation will involve testing VR sensory rooms and providing feedback to help inform and improve the design and effectiveness.
What is the purpose of this research?
The purpose of this research is to create a user-friendly and effective VR sensory room that caters to the sensory needs of individuals with autism.
Who can participate in this research?
This study is open to individuals who are autistic and experience some form of sensory challenges or difference. To participate, you should be able to provide informed consent and communicate verbally in English, as this will be required for providing feedback. For health and safety, participation in this research is only available to those who do not have a history of epilepsy, or a strong tendency to experience cyber-sickness.
What does participation in this research involve?
Participation in this study involves attending three sessions over approximately 6 - 9 weeks:
Session 1: Introduction, aims, and empathy interviews, testing early-stage prototypes of the VR sensory room and providing feedback.
Session 2: Testing refined prototypes and providing further feedback.
Session 3: Usability testing and feedback on the final prototype.
We will begin by asking you to complete some surveys so that we can understand a bit more about you and how you experience different sensory experiences. You will then explore VR sensory room prototypes and provide feedback on your experience.
The first session is expected to last 70 minutes, with the subsequent sessions lasting 30 minutes. Participants are asked to attend all 3 sessions, though there is flexibility with regards to when these can occur. Participants will be compensated for their participation in the sessions at a rate of $30 (AUD) per hour, which will equate to $15 for participating in a 30-minute session.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
By participating in this study, you have the opportunity to contribute to the development of a VR sensory room that may benefit individuals with autism. Your insights and feedback will help create a tool that addresses sensory needs and promotes relaxation.
What are the possible risks and disadvantages of taking part?
The risks associated with participating in this study are minimal. However, some individuals may experience discomfort or cybersickness while using VR technology. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, please let the researcher know. You can take breaks at any time.
Who is organising and funding the research?
This research is being conducted by the University of South Australia. The study is funded by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. No other funding was received.
Who has reviewed the research project?
The ethical aspects of this research project have been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of the University of South Australia as required by the Australian government research requirements, specified in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023). This statement has been developed to protect the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies.
How can I sign up to participate in this research?
You can register your interest to participate in the study by clicking the link here and filling out the short sign up form.
Further information and who to contact
If you want any further information concerning this project or if you have any problems which may be related to your involvement in the project, you can contact the lead researcher using the following information:
Name: Connor McCabe
Position: Principal Investigator
Telephone: 0455 463 923
Email: Connor.McCabe@Unisa.edu.au