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arXiv · 2412.16321

XR for All: Understanding Developers' Perspectives on Accessibility Integration in Extended Reality

Daniel Killough·Tiger F. Ji·Kexin Zhang·Yaxin Hu·Yu Huang·Ruofei Du·Yuhang Zhao
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Abstract

As immersive technologies enable unique, multimodal interaction methods, developers must also use tailored methods to support user accessibility, distinct from traditional software practices. We interviewed 25 industry extended reality (XR) developers, including freelancers, startups, midsize, and big tech companies about their motivations, techniques, barriers, and attitudes towards incorporating accessibility features in their XR apps. Our study revealed a variety of challenges, including conflicting priorities between application and platform developers regarding accessibility infrastructure; rapid development culture hindering accessible development; and the lack of accessible interaction design considerations at the ideation, design, and early prototyping stages. As a comprehensive set of XR accessibility guidelines has yet to be established, we also compiled and evaluated a set of accessibility guidelines for 3D virtual worlds and addressed their limitations when applied to XR. Finally, we inform the creation of effective support methods for industry developers.

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Daniel Killough, Tiger F. Ji, Kexin Zhang, Yaxin Hu, Yu Huang, Ruofei Du, Yuhang Zhao. 2025-08-08. XR for All: Understanding Developers' Perspectives on Accessibility Integration in Extended Reality. https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.16321

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