Interactive VR-Based Usability and Acceptance Testing for the Future of Age-Friendly Kitchen Design

Abstract

As populations age globally, designing accessible and functional kitchens to support independent living becomes imperative. Designing user-friendly, safe, and ergonomically optimised kitchens is essential for maintaining autonomy and improving well-being among the ageing population. Contemporary one-size-fits-all design approaches often fail to meet major ageing-specific needs, and conducting rigorous scientific evaluations with full-scale prototypes poses significant financial burdens and logistical hurdles. Therefore, Interactive Virtual Reality (VR) serves as an effective tool for testing smart kitchen designs and identifying usability issues before incurring the costs of large-scale prototyping. This study assesses the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (IVR) simulation as a tool for informed design decision-making in age-friendly kitchen spaces. In a controlled experimental study with 15 older adults (aged 65-85), we evaluate platform height manoeuvrability in kitchen designs through usability testing. The evaluation parameters include headset usability, safety and comfort, perceived usefulness, spatial accessibility, and technology acceptance. The study reports higher confidence in participants' design decisions, which indicates a better understanding of ergonomic considerations when using the IVR system. Finally, the findings suggest that IVR simulation can enable ageing adults to evaluate designs by actively participating in the creation of spaces that meet their functional needs. Presented ideas contribute to the future of accessible design methodologies and demonstrate the potential of IVR technology in supporting future initiatives for independent and healthy ageing.

Keywords: Human Factor Design, Behavioural studies, Ageing-in-Place, Kitchen Design, Virtual Reality Simulation

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007169