Ethical Considerations in Designing Virtual and Augmented Reality Products—Virtual and Augmented Reality Design With Students in Mind: Designers’ Perceptions

Abstract

Developers and designers of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) products are expressing concerns regarding accountability for ethical design and use of VR/AR products in virtual learning environments. Within the field of education, more research is needed to determine how VR/AR designers make decisions regarding ethical issues, and particularly when integrating media into learning content. The purpose of the qualitative inquiry study was to interview designers/developers of VR/AR products regarding their perceptions of ethics in design and use of VR/AR products designed for educational purposes. Data collection was achieved through a sample of self-described instructional designers and developers from the Association for Educational Communications and Technology membership. Through qualitative inquiry with one-on-one interviews, designers shared their stories about their perceptions of ethics in the design and development of VR/AR products for educational purposes.