When XR goes wrong

As we’ve explored in previous steps, immersive experiences can be powerful; and the influence a VR maker can have on their audience is substantial. It’s not just about the immediate physiological response, but the ability to create long-lasting unsettling memories and even trauma.

When a person puts on a headset, they are vulnerable, especially in virtual reality. How?

• a) Physically: users can lose a sense of the physical space they are in

• b) In the virtual space: users are dropped into a virtual environment that can impact them psychologically and physiologically.

Whereas TV and film involve showing your audience a situation, VR involves them in it as participants. They are active and that’s the crucial difference when it comes to things that may go wrong. There are many ways this can happen, so let’s explore two examples of both physical and virtual risks:

Immediate physical safety risks with VR or AR sets ups

It’s perhaps obvious, but every virtual experience happens in a physical space. Unlike most of our lived experience, our mind is tricked into seeing things that just, aren’t there. This essential quality can cause issues, severe injury or even death. In Moscow, for instance, a 44-year-old man tragically died in 2017 after falling over in VR and being impaled by his glass coffee table which smashed with the impact of his fall. Globally, the hugely popular AR app Pokemon Go has caused numerous pedestrian accidents According to the American Safety Council,

“Twisted ankles, bruised shins, and other bodily injuries have been reported from excited players. There is even a growing phenomenon of “sore legs” from players not accustomed to exercise have been getting up and outside to seek Pokémon.”

• headset hygiene
• safety buddies
• avoiding nausea
• avoiding repetitive strain injuries
• post-VR decompression
• clear guidance on the user setup for surroundings

Bias or blind spots in VR experience design

“So, there I was shooting down zombies alongside another real-time player named BigBro442. Suddenly, BigBro442’s disembodied helmet faced me dead-on. His floating hand approached my body, and he started to virtually rub my chest. “Stop!” I cried. I must have laughed from the embarrassment and the ridiculousness of the situation. This goaded him on, and even when I turned away from him, he chased me around, making grabbing and pinching motions near my chest.”

• Conduct thorough, well-researched risk assessments
• Engage in user group consultation and testing

Have your say

Do you have any personal experiences of when XR has gone wrong?

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