Virtuoso (a play on the words “virtual” and “social” provides a virtual reality public transportation training platform for adults on the autism spectrum. By training to use public transportation in virtual reality, risks associated with real-world training can be avoided, and users can repeat training as many times as needed. Our autistic users greatly enjoyed using the program, and our research showed that it was not only effective at teaching transportation skills, but also that users were able to perform the skill in the real-world after having used Virtuoso.
Designed with Autistic Users
Our design team worked with members of the autistic community to refine designs and create more effective and usable learning experiences.
Effective
Autistic users were able to complete all stages of shuttle training in the virtual reality training, and they were able to apply what they learned in the virtual environment to the real-world.
Engaging
Users found Virtuoso to be a highly engaging and enjoyable way to learn to use public transportation, often asking to return for multiple attempts. Research shows this was a key factor in the success of the program
Sensitive to the Needs of Neurodiverse Learners
To account for challenges that our neurodiverse learners might encounter when using virtual reality, we developed an implementation process that was sensitive to their needs and preferences.
Research
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