Virtual Reality as a tool for designing accessible public transportation services

Abstract

Due to the ability to deliver realistic experiences in fully simulated environments, Virtual Reality (VR) can be applied to aid various design activities. Nevertheless, in the context of public transportation, the application of VR as a tool for accessibility design is not fully explored. This article presents the concept of re-utilizing VR software to design for accessibility in the early phases of the design lifecycle in the context of public transportation and related service design. We investigated how VR can be applied to service design through workshops with academic and industrial experts, focusing on the accessibility aspects. Our findings demonstrate the value of VR in designing and rapidly testing services related to public transportation, ensuring accessibility for various user groups. We further formulated guidelines to support the adoption of VR for designing accessible services.