World Design

The creation and structuring of virtual environments in VR, including architecture, terrain, objects, lighting, and interactive elements. In accessibility contexts, world design directly impacts whether disabled users can navigate and engage with virtual spaces. Key accessibility considerations include whether physical barriers like stairs exist in virtual worlds, the level of visual and spatial realism, the inclusion of disability-related features like ramps or elevators, and whether the environment supports different locomotion methods. Research shows disabled users generally want thoughtful world design that reflects disability rather than ignoring it—worlds should be accessible by design (e.g., with elevators alongside stairs) rather than unrealistically barrier-free.