Designing accessible museum experiences in virtual reality for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Accessibility in cultural heritage is essential to foster inclusivity, particularly for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who may face sensory and social challenges in museums, such as bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces. Virtual Reality (VR) offers a promising solution by providing controlled and customizable experiences that can be tailored to their needs. However, a consolidated methodology for designing VR-based museum experiences for ASD users is still lacking. This paper proposes a structured approach based on three key design principles: modularity, predictability, and attention. These principles serve as the foundation for creating virtual visits specifically suited to the needs of individuals with ASD, aiming to provide accessible, engaging, and enriching experiences inspired by real-world visits. The results of a user study comparing a VR experience based on these principles with a traditional museum visit demonstrated significant advantages in terms of museum experience, with variations depending on ASD levels.