SKEUOMORPHISM IN EXTENDED REALITY: ENHANCING USER INTERACTION THROUGH FAMILIAR DESIGN IN AR AND VR INTERFACES – INSIGHTS FROM THE HOME INTERSPACE PROJECT

This paper explores skeuomorphism in Extended Reality (XR) interfaces, focusing on its potential to enhance accessibility and promote physical engagement, particularly among older adults. By emulating real-world objects and interactions, skeuomorphic design reduces cognitive load, making digital interfaces more intuitive and accessible to a broad range of users. While flat design, valued for its simplicity, often lacks the intuitive cues necessary for navigating complex technologies, skeuomorphism offers an alternative that feels familiar and user-friendly. In this study, participants were asked to draw associations with common digital functions like messaging and video playback. These associations provided insights into their mental models, which informed the development of skeuomorphic XR interface elements. User testing demonstrated the advantages of these designs when integrated with XR features such as hand tracking and room mapping. These elements not only improved interaction quality but also enhanced user comfort and ease of use, particularly in home settings where familiar interactions are essential. The findings reveal a significant gap in current XR design: its limited accessibility for non-digital natives, such as older adults, who often struggle with traditional digital interfaces. By leveraging physical metaphors, skeuomorphic design can bridge this gap, making XR environments more engaging and effective for users with varying digital literacy levels. This study highlights the potential of skeuomorphic principles to expand XR usability and suggests that thoughtful design can make these technologies more approachable for all, ultimately supporting broader adoption and promoting well-being through accessible digital experiences.