Exploring accessibility in the city through virtual reality experience

Virtual reality (VR) can be used for more than just rollercoasters and video games. Master of Digital Media (MDM) student Avis Ku created an immersive experience from the perspective of a wheelchair user in Toronto to raise awareness about accessibility. The installation uses VR 360° videos to help the audience understand and experience what it is like to use a wheelchair in the city. 

“The video I developed aims to help the audience better understand the topic and potentially influence their prosocial attitude towards this social cause,” she explains. 

Ku decided to explore digital technology and spread awareness about accessibility as a social issue. She combined the two to effectively communicate this topic using virtual reality allowing the end user the unique opportunity to virtually experience what it's like to roam around the city on a wheelchair. 

“When deciding on my research project topic, I always wanted to explore how digital technology can effectively communicate any social issue to the general public,” she said. “In my project, it is the perspective-taking medium, an immersive experience of VR 360° videos.”

Showcasing at Industry Day

Ku’s project was shown at MDM 10.0 Industry Day in November. Viewers were able to use the experience on mobile devices or a head mounted display, learning more about VR, and accessibility in Toronto. The viewers responded well to the issue being shown in a perspective form, finding it more effective than a traditional video. 

“I would say my project isn’t a VR product or an immersive experience which directly helps the community of people with disabilities,” she explained. “However, VR could be a tool that bridges the gap between the accessibility issue and the awareness raising of the general public by communicating the matter without the ‘shared experience’ framing often used by traditional journalistic reporting or storytelling.”

The responses show that VR 360° content is a valuable communication medium that audiences connect and resonate with. It engages its audience and resonates with them on an emotional level, encouraging them to act prosocially. 

“With the 360° video, the audience can experience what it feels like from a wheelchair user’s perspective,” Ku said. “As VR 360° videos capture everything surrounding the filming characters, it offers the audience greater transparency, contributing to a more accurate representation of the topic.”

A pressing issue in the city

Ku consulted with non-profit organizations working on behalf of people with physical disabilities before beginning the project. 

“I’m not part of the community, I found it super important to learn more about their perspectives, how they feel and think about this project and their concerns,” she added. “The individuals I talked to all mentioned that they wanted the community to be acknowledged first rather than having the accessibility improvements to be built.”

Ku also wanted to highlight that accessibility issues affect more people than you may think. She wants her project to be a starting point for awareness initiatives, also noting that the issue can’t be resolved by just one project. 

“Creating an accessible city benefits everyone, not only people with mobility aids. Think about the delivery person, parents with baby strollers, or even the elderly who can’t navigate steps easily,” she said. “After watching the video, it’s anticipated that the audience could learn more about the community and, hopefully, be willing to take action toward this social matter in the future.”

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