Abstract
Despite rapid advances in immersive Extended Reality technologies, creating inclusive and accessible experiences
for older adults remains challenging. Many Extended Reality
applications fail to account for the physical, cognitive, and
ergonomic needs of older users, resulting in low engagement and
digital exclusion. Cultural heritage and underwater environments
offer rich contexts for meaningful interaction and wellbeing.
This study explored how intergenerational codesign can inform
the development of immersive Extended Reality applications
for older adults. Two case studies were undertaken within the
ICONIC project: a Heritage Extended Reality experience recreating Cotehele, a National Trust heritage site, and an Underwater
Telepresence experience simulating marine environments. The
objective was to identify design principles supporting accessibility, comfort, and engagement. Sixteen codesign workshops
were conducted with 24 older and 12 younger adults across five
iterative stages: framing, ideation, prototyping, digital design,
and testing. Mixed-methods analysis combined thematic coding of
qualitative feedback with non-parametric statistical tests to assess
design priorities. Participants prioritised immersion, interactivity,
and accessibility. Simplified locomotion and one-button control
schemes enhanced usability, while ergonomic modifications to
headsets and controllers improved comfort. For Underwater
Telepresence, dual “relaxation” and “learning” modes broadened
appeal. Social features were consistently ranked lower than
immersive and educational elements. Intergenerational codesign
offers an effective approach to inclusive Extended Reality development and these insights inform future applications addressing
digital exclusion and promoting equitable access to cultural
and environmental experiences. In this paper, we showed that
simplified controls, ergonomic design, and affordable hardware
improve engagement and confidence among older users for
immersive heritage and underwater telepresence experiences.
for older adults remains challenging. Many Extended Reality
applications fail to account for the physical, cognitive, and
ergonomic needs of older users, resulting in low engagement and
digital exclusion. Cultural heritage and underwater environments
offer rich contexts for meaningful interaction and wellbeing.
This study explored how intergenerational codesign can inform
the development of immersive Extended Reality applications
for older adults. Two case studies were undertaken within the
ICONIC project: a Heritage Extended Reality experience recreating Cotehele, a National Trust heritage site, and an Underwater
Telepresence experience simulating marine environments. The
objective was to identify design principles supporting accessibility, comfort, and engagement. Sixteen codesign workshops
were conducted with 24 older and 12 younger adults across five
iterative stages: framing, ideation, prototyping, digital design,
and testing. Mixed-methods analysis combined thematic coding of
qualitative feedback with non-parametric statistical tests to assess
design priorities. Participants prioritised immersion, interactivity,
and accessibility. Simplified locomotion and one-button control
schemes enhanced usability, while ergonomic modifications to
headsets and controllers improved comfort. For Underwater
Telepresence, dual “relaxation” and “learning” modes broadened
appeal. Social features were consistently ranked lower than
immersive and educational elements. Intergenerational codesign
offers an effective approach to inclusive Extended Reality development and these insights inform future applications addressing
digital exclusion and promoting equitable access to cultural
and environmental experiences. In this paper, we showed that
simplified controls, ergonomic design, and affordable hardware
improve engagement and confidence among older users for
immersive heritage and underwater telepresence experiences.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-12 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | International Journal On Advances in Intelligent Systems |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 3 and 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2026 |
Keywords
- extended reality
- intergenerational codesign
- heritage
- underwater
- digital exclusion
- immersive
- telepresence