A Framework for Developing Haptics Based Virtual Environment for Spatial Cognition Enhancement in Autistic People
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Abstract
Autistic people typically need methodical support as they explore and interact with their immediate surroundings and the objects associated with them, emphasising the importance of spatial knowledge and cognitive skills in improving and understanding their surroundings. The objective of this research paper is to present a conceptual and technical framework that could be of significant assistance in developing spatial ability and cognitive skills in autistic people. This framework is constructed based on aspects of autistic behaviour, spatial cognition, and technical aspects of haptic technology and virtual environments (VEs). The framework uses the Model, View, Controller (MVC) pattern as its structural foundation. This paper highlights the important elements required for scholars and designers to create and develop a haptic-based virtual environment (HBVE) for autistic people in order to improve spatial knowledge and cognitive skills. Furthermore, this research also aimed to create an HBVE application based on the proposed framework in order to assess its effectiveness. This research paper evaluates the proposed framework based on end-user perspectives. The findings indicate that the experimental study conducted with autistic people has demonstrated notable progress in enhancing spatial knowledge and cognitive abilities among this population. The experimental implementation of these findings supports the developed framework's efficacy.
Keywords
Haptic interfaces, Autism, Cognition, Reviews, Object recognition, Codes, spatial cognition, haptic technology, virtual environment, framework
Divisions
Software
Funders
Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia
Publication Title
IEEE Access
Volume
12
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Publisher Location
445 HOES LANE, PISCATAWAY, NJ 08855-4141 USA