How can you ensure your VR mobile app is free from stereotypes and biases?

1 Define your goals and values

Before you start developing your VR mobile app, you need to define your goals and values. What is the purpose of your app? What message do you want to convey? Who are your target users? How do you want them to feel and behave after using your app? These questions will help you set the tone and direction of your app, and avoid any unintended or harmful consequences. You also need to align your goals and values with the ethical principles and standards of the VR industry, such as the VR Code of Ethics and the VR Diversity Initiative.

2 Research your users and context

To avoid stereotypes and biases, you need to research your users and context. You need to understand the needs, preferences, expectations, and challenges of your users, as well as their cultural, social, and personal backgrounds. You also need to consider the context in which your users will use your app, such as the location, time, device, and network. By doing this, you will be able to design your app in a way that is relevant, inclusive, and respectful of your users, and avoid any assumptions or generalizations that can lead to stereotypes and biases.

3 Test and iterate your app

Another way to ensure your VR mobile app is free from stereotypes and biases is to test and iterate your app. You need to involve your users and stakeholders in the testing process, and collect feedback from different perspectives and experiences. You also need to use various methods and tools to test your app, such as user testing, usability testing, accessibility testing, and quality assurance testing. By testing and iterating your app, you will be able to identify and fix any issues or problems that can cause stereotypes and biases, and improve the quality and performance of your app.

4 Educate and empower your users

Finally, you need to educate and empower your users to ensure your VR mobile app is free from stereotypes and biases. You need to inform your users about the features, functions, and limitations of your app, and provide clear and concise instructions and guidance. You also need to give your users control and choice over their VR experience, and allow them to customize, adjust, or opt out of certain aspects of your app. By educating and empowering your users, you will be able to foster trust and engagement, and prevent any misuse or abuse of your app.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?