Virtual reality learning software for individuals with intellectual disabilities : comparison between touchscreen and mouse interactions

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the impact of two user interfaces - a tactile interface and a computer mouse - in a virtual environment allowing self-learning tasks, such as dishwashing, by workers with mental deficiencies. We carried out an experiment within the context of a design project named “Apticap”. The methods used were an experiment, an identification questionnaire and a post-experimentation interview, with six workers with disabilities. The results of this study demonstrate the interest of a virtual reality tool associated with a tactile interaction for learning of real tasks by workers with mental deficiencies.