Virtual Reality
Challenging the Metaverse to Adopt a Trauma Informed Design Model
Based on an interest in a trauma-informed design approach, I wanted to understand how this model could be applied to new or broader applications. After reading initial reports of harassment claims in the metaverse, I wanted to consider if a trauma-informed design approach in the development of virtual reality environments would be beneficial. As we make progress in designing with principles around sustainability, inclusion, equity and equality, should we also design with a trauma-informed approach in mind?
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Taking into consideration both topics of interest – the metaverse and trauma-informed approaches – I was able to develop a series of questions to help guide my research and look for keyword terms.
Keyword terms
Applying Trauma-Informed Design
Due to the current and on-going developments around virtual reality and the metaverse, some recent news articles and other sources are included alongside scholarly and peer-reviewed academic sources. My research also found examples of virtual reality advancing the prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD. There are clinical tools being utilized in virtual environments to help treat the effects of trauma.
Additionally, there are reports that playing video games had a positive effect on some players during COVID-19. Although my research focuses on cybercrime, more specifically virtual assault, it does not claim the metaverse is harmful in all contexts.
Because this research topic explores vulnerabilities in regards to users of the metaverse, a trauma-informed design approach and advocates for action in developing safer virtual reality environments. The advocacy and participatory worldview is closely aligned with this topic,
Conclusions
As the metaverse continues to seek to provide an alternate reality for social connectedness, a trauma-informed design approach can assist in protecting vulnerable users and those effected by trauma if understood and applied. Additionally, policy and legal work needs to be outlined and implemented to provide protection and support for all users in the metaverse. Ongoing monitoring and continued design solutions will also need to be included in a multi-faceted approach for best results.
SDES 503 Fundamentals of Graduate Research; Professor Kwela Hermanns