Exploring Neurodivergent Experiences in a VR Game Quiet Room

If you would like to participate, please book an appointment directly through the booking portal or contact Anna-Lena Meiners, meiners∂kit.edu, to schedule an individual appointment.

We would like to conduct a study with you to find out how accessible and useful virtual quiet rooms within VR gaming environments are for neurodivergent people.

The aim of the study is to identify your needs and preferences regarding the accessibility of VR technologies, particularly with regard to options for sensory self-regulation.

The study involves trying out a VR game with an integrated quiet room, as well as filling out questionnaires and participating in a semi-structured interview, in which your experiences with the game and the quiet room will be discussed.

The entire process takes approximately 1.5 hours and must be conducted in person in Karlsruhe for the purpose of testing the VR technology. The study can be conducted in German or English. We will gladly coordinate the time and language according to your needs!

Your participation will be remunerated with €30.

What you can expect:

  • The study involves trying out a VR action game featuring a virtual quiet room. You will be given an introduction to the VR technology beforehand. Before and after the VR session, you will complete questionnaires about your well-being and impressions, and discuss your experiences in a calm one-on-one conversation. The interview is semi-structured, meaning that topics follow certain guidelines, but you are welcome to talk about whatever is important to you. You are welcome to receive the interview questions in advance.
  • The entire process will take approximately 1.5 hours and will take place in person at a mutually agreed time.
  • You may skip questions, take breaks, or withdraw from the study at any time. Doing so will not result in any disadvantages for you.
  • You are welcome to take part in the study together with an assistant or another trusted person.
  • We can conduct the study in English or German - whichever you prefer.
  • The interview parts will be audio-recorded and transcribed for later analysis. While you try out the VR game, the interviewer will take notes. The recordings, transcripts and notes will be stored on secure servers, pseudonymized, and deleted after the analysis has been completed. It will not be possible to identify you personally in the published results.
  • You will receive a €30 compensation for your participation via bank transfer.

Requirements for participation:

  • You are over 18 years old.
  • You are neurodivergent (e.g., ADHD, Autism, dyslexia). An official diagnosis is not required.
  • You have very good German or English language skills.
  • No VR experience is required.
  • You do not have, or suspect, a high susceptibility to motion sickness, and/or medical conditions or impairments that are incompatible with VR use (e.g., epilepsy, vision differences, motor differences). Using the VR hardware is often possible while wearing glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices. If you have questions about accessibility or whether participation is suitable for you, please feel free to contact us.

If you are interested or have any concerns or questions, please send an e-mail to Anna-Lena Meiners, meiners∂kit.edu.

Further information: