Designing A VR-based Accessible Speed Of Light Exergame for People with Visual Impairments

Regular exercise is essential for health, but engaging in physical activities can be difficult for people with visual impairments due to accessibility barriers, limited opportunities, and sometimes safety reasons. As Virtual Reality (VR) games can offer a platform to promote body movement, we implemented a VR audio-based accessible Speed of Light game. We investigated three types of auditory feedback that convey the position of targets within a 3D space, exploring a horizontal interaction setting. A user study with 8 visually impaired participants revealed good performances and overall enjoyment of the game, especially when using verbal feedback (rather than sonification). This showcases how VR games with proper audio design can effectively promote the physical activity of people with visual impairments.