Preparing Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Public Bus Transit through a Virtual Reality Training Simulation

Abstract

This exploratory study outlines the research and evaluation process for a Virtual Reality (VR) training application designed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are unable to take public transportation. The VR experience is designed as a simulation that has the user take public bus transportation from one stop to another, including entering and exiting the bus. The training simulation is designed for use in the Copenhagen Municipality. It therefore has the experience's visuals designed to represent a typical Danish cityscape, and bus transit designed to closely mimic the Danish bus transportation system. The evaluation was conducted as five separate tests; two internal System Usability Scale (SUS) tests, and three external tests at three different institutions that all deal with individuals with ASD. The two internal SUS tests were the first and fourth of the five tests. The first SUS test (n=7) and second SUS test (n=12) both had participants play through the VR experience before filling out the SUS questionnaire. The results of the SUS tests showcased good usability, with the second test scoring marginally higher than the first (76.8, 81). The external tests were conducted at Østre Gasværk (n=1), Skovmoseskolen (n=3), and Multihuset Brøndby (n=1). All participants played through the VR experience and were afterwards subjected to an interview. The latter two external locations had a caretaker present, who was interviewed after testing to provide further feedback on the application. Feedback from both participants and caretakers indicated a fondness for the application, with an interest in utilizing it for further training. Despite the positive results, it is necessary to conduct further testing with additional participants, especially after feedback suggestions have been implemented. These additional tests will assist in acquiring more dependable data, that will ensure the creation of a polished VR bus transit training application.

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Preparing Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Public Bus Transit through a Virtual Reality Training Simulation