JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Virtual Reality (VR) applications are becoming increasingly important, also for the target group of senior citizens. VR applications can have a supportive effect on seniors, for example, by displaying VR content and having a positive impact on various activities of daily living (ADLs), as well as by promoting cognitive and motor skills. VR applications can lead to a better way of life for older people by maintaining or improving their abilities. However, a targeted and user-oriented VR development is essential for a positive effect.

Objective:

To develop a core set of quality criteria and thus guidelines for user-centered VR application development for the target group of senior citizens.

Methods:

The multi-step qualitative study design includes a systematic literature search, followed by a framework analysis for the detection of core set criteria that were finally validated by expert workshops. The final results obtained during this iterative process were systematized and sorted into criteria including explanations on the basis of the formation of categories or codes.

Results:

The findings obtained in an iterative process map the goodness criteria core set for senior friendly VR applications. The quality criteria core set is divided into two parts, so that the criteria (e.g. evidence, application safety) were described in detail in their respective category (e.g. quality assurance of medical/ health content). The results imply a differentiated scope as well as granularity level of the criteria.

Conclusions:

Due to the continuous development of VR and the heterogeneous requirements of the target group of seniors, the results of the quality criteria core set have to be evaluated individually.