THE IMPACT OF AR/VR ON INCLUSION: BARRIERS AND DESIGN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2787-5137-2025-2-13Keywords:
AR/VR, inclusion, universal design, digital barriers, sensory interaction, co-design, educational inclusion, user experience, functional limitationsAbstract
Introduction. In the era of rapid digital technology development, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are increasingly being implemented in education, culture, healthcare, and social services. These technologies offer new opportunities for interaction, communication, and learning; however, their inclusiveness remains a pressing issue.Despite their potential to overcome barriers, AR/VR technologies often create new ones due to poor design, high cost, or limited adaptability to the needs of people with disabilities. In this context, it becomes crucial to critically assess the impact of AR/VR on inclusion and to identify pathways for developing truly accessible digital environments.Purpose. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of AR/VR technologies on inclusion processes, to identify the main barriers that arise during their use, and to justify the principles of inclusive design capable of ensuring equal access to digital resources regardless of users’ physical or cognitive characteristics. The research also aims to explore practical applications of AR/VR in education, social engagement, and rehabilitation.Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty lies in the interdisciplinary analysis of AR/VR as tools for inclusive interaction, covering aspects of accessibility, ergonomics, cognitive load, and social impact. For the first time, recommendations for creating AR/VR products based on universal design principles have been formulated, taking into account the needs of people with various types of disabilities. An approach to inclusive digital immersion has been proposed, combining technical and psycho-pedagogical components, along with an analysis of effective implementations of such solutions in international practice.Conclusions. AR/VR technologies can become powerful tools for creating inclusive environments, but only if accessibility principles are respected and users with special needs are actively involved in content development. Successful inclusion requires a systemic approach, interface adaptation, affordable devices, and support at the level of educational and social policy. Further research should focus on assessing the emotional and cognitive effects of AR/VR experiences on different user groups and on identifying strategies to minimize potential risks.
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