Systematic Literature Review of Virtual Reality Intervention Design Patterns for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ABSTRACT

The aims of this systematic literature review were to uncover, analyze, and present design characteristics of virtual reality (VR) systems that have been designed as training tools for individuals with autism. Specifically, this review sought to (1) assess points of convergence and divergence in how researchers define VR, (2) extrapolate individual components of VR systems, and (3) systematically extract how design factors are instantiated in these VR projects. A systematic review was conducted to approach these goals that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) standards to provide methodological and reporting quality. English language papers published in peer-reviewed academic journals after 1995 were included. Databases searched for this systematic review were Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ERIC, and Google Scholar. Searches were conducted in March, 2020. A total of 82 articles was analyzed which were organized by project, resulting in a total of 49 records. Findings from this literature review suggest inconsistencies in how VR is being conceptualized which has implications on how purported benefits of VR technologies may be designed for and greatly impact the possibilities for learner interactions and how benefits can be realized. Open Science Foundation registration:osf.io/5asyg.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Noah Glaser

Noah Glaser, is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Design & Technology at Old Dominion University. Noah is a developer of educational interventions that utilize emerging learning technologies such as virtual reality, video games, and mobile devices. His work tends to focus on providing technological solutions to promote inclusion, access, and equity.

Matthew Schmidt, is an Associate Professor of Educational Technology at the University of Florida, faculty in the Institute for Advanced Learning Technologies, and director of the Advanced Learning Technologies Studio. His work includes design and development of educational courseware with a focus on individuals with disabilities and their families/caregivers.