A Virtual Environment for Accessible Desktop Navigation

Virtual reality is an emergent technology with the potential to offer valuable contributions to ambient assisted living. For example, it can be utilised to enhance equality of access to, and ease of use of technology. This paper introduces virtual reality technology, and presents a prototype system for intuitive file navigation and manipulation. Through a discussion and end user evaluation of system use cases, we offer commentary on the system’s potential for increasing computing confidence and competency in non-computer literate populations. Findings indicate virtual reality constitutes a viable tool for aiding users with reduced computer literacy and confidence in relation to everyday computing tasks, and therefore could be deployed as an assistive technology within such populations.