Enabling Environments

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