Stephanie M. Mello Nicholas R. Horn Andi N. StClair Jessyca L. Derby
Extended Reality (XR) encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Virtual content continues to be incorporated into our real world as more devices become availabl..
Extended Reality (XR) encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Virtual content continues to be incorporated into our real world as more devices become available to support it. It has been accepted into the entertainment space (games like Beat Saber and Pokémon GO), social media apps (SnapChat and TikTok filters), training, and education. Soon everyone will be able to put on a headset or pick up a phone and see virtual holograms in action. But, is XR built inclusively, for everyone? Inclusive design has been defined as, "designing a diversity of ways for users to participate so that everyone has a sense of belonging” (Holmes, 2018). We evaluated the inclusivity of popular XR devices: head-mounted displays, smart glasses, and mobile devices – both the physical design and user interaction methods. Results demonstrate that the devices have room for improvement to be fully inclusive.