About this Research Topic
Virtual Reality (VR) Augmented Reality (AR) technologies are progressively
transforming our social interactions and perception of our environments.
VR immerses users in simulated settings, altering body perception by
enabling virtual embodiment, while AR amplifies the real world by
overlaying digital information to enhance physical environments.
Furthermore, mixed reality, a synthesis of VR and AR, merges physical and
digital elements to create advanced immersive experiences. The features
offered by VR and AR technologies can significantly support inclusive
environments for diverse abilities, by rendering spaces and experiences
accessible through simulated remote environments, and by enabling
multisensory features to accommodate those with sensory impairments.
VR technologies, by creating a co-located virtual body, allow one to get
better insights into the lived experiences of those who have certain physical
limitations. Alternatively, for those with physical limitations, these
technologies can enhance their own body-mind connection through virtual
rehabilitation. VR technologies have also been discussed in literature for
their potential to support social racial diversity through perspective taking in
complex social situations. VR and AR technologies can also support the
education, and physical and mental development of neurodiverse
populations through customized learning environments that can increase
attention and promote calmness. Allowing for safe exposure to simulated
triggers and virtual feedback, VR and AR technologies can aid in the
management of mental health disorders, trauma, and phobias.
The Research Topic of “Enabling Environments” aims to explore the
enabling power of VR and AR technologies to support inclusive interactions
and experiences. Particularly, we focus on how these technologies can
enhance physical and mental health, learning, and social interaction
through virtual embodiment, or enhanced embodied spatial interactions.
To gather further insights into the transformative impact of immersive
technologies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the
following themes:
● Innovations in VR and AR for enhancing social inclusion and diversity
● Development and effectivity of VR-based therapeutic tools and
methods
● The role of AR and VR in transforming educational and workplace
environments
● Innovations in VR and AR for the support of physical limitations,
developmental disorders, and neurodiversity.
● Studies on the psychophysiological impacts of immersive
technologies that benefit health and wellbeing
transforming our social interactions and perception of our environments.
VR immerses users in simulated settings, altering body perception by
enabling virtual embodiment, while AR amplifies the real world by
overlaying digital information to enhance physical environments.
Furthermore, mixed reality, a synthesis of VR and AR, merges physical and
digital elements to create advanced immersive experiences. The features
offered by VR and AR technologies can significantly support inclusive
environments for diverse abilities, by rendering spaces and experiences
accessible through simulated remote environments, and by enabling
multisensory features to accommodate those with sensory impairments.
VR technologies, by creating a co-located virtual body, allow one to get
better insights into the lived experiences of those who have certain physical
limitations. Alternatively, for those with physical limitations, these
technologies can enhance their own body-mind connection through virtual
rehabilitation. VR technologies have also been discussed in literature for
their potential to support social racial diversity through perspective taking in
complex social situations. VR and AR technologies can also support the
education, and physical and mental development of neurodiverse
populations through customized learning environments that can increase
attention and promote calmness. Allowing for safe exposure to simulated
triggers and virtual feedback, VR and AR technologies can aid in the
management of mental health disorders, trauma, and phobias.
The Research Topic of “Enabling Environments” aims to explore the
enabling power of VR and AR technologies to support inclusive interactions
and experiences. Particularly, we focus on how these technologies can
enhance physical and mental health, learning, and social interaction
through virtual embodiment, or enhanced embodied spatial interactions.
To gather further insights into the transformative impact of immersive
technologies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the
following themes:
● Innovations in VR and AR for enhancing social inclusion and diversity
● Development and effectivity of VR-based therapeutic tools and
methods
● The role of AR and VR in transforming educational and workplace
environments
● Innovations in VR and AR for the support of physical limitations,
developmental disorders, and neurodiversity.
● Studies on the psychophysiological impacts of immersive
technologies that benefit health and wellbeing
Keywords: Inclusive Design, Assistive Technologies, Embodiment, Health, Wellbeing, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
