A new project is using Extended Reality (XR) technologies to develop tools which could help autistic people overcome some of the barriers and difficulties faced when driving a car.
The Extended Reality for Autistic Drivers (XRAD) project is led by the University of Exeter, in partnership with the University of Bath, University of Nottingham and National Autistic Society, and is working with a large team of autistic people – including both qualified drivers and non-drivers – to guide the development process. The insight, viewpoints and experiences of this co-design team will be combined with the latest innovations in science and technology to explore a range of solutions.
Dr Tom Arthur from the University of Exeter is XRAD Research Lead and said: "We know autistic people can find public transport inaccessible and for some, driving a car can make for a more comfortable and predictable journey. But research suggests autistic people often experience wide-ranging challenges on the road and are less likely to get a driving licence. By focusing on real-world driving challenges and barriers, we hope this project will help promote independence and increase access for autistic people to employment, education, healthcare, and leisure activities."
The co-design team will join researchers in a variety of workshops using XR technologies – like Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and driving simulator equipment – to focus on which solutions are built and how they will be delivered in practice. Insight from these sessions will be combined with findings from recent psychology and simulation-based research from the Virtual Immersive Training And Learning (VITAL) team at the University of Exeter, as well as emerging innovations from the world of XR - such as real-time eye tracking analyses and adaptive learning experiences. Key decisions on the project are being made by a steering group of autistic individuals to ensure the research represents the preferences and priorities of neurodivergent people as much as possible.
Anna is a member of the steering group and said: "This project represents a lot of what autistic people have been asking for from researchers – something that involves us at every step of the process and addresses a real-world problem. The opportunity to help guide the project, take part in the design process, and ensure our opinions are being incorporated is great. As a gamer and an autistic person who's struggled to access driving for various reasons over the years, I am excited at the potential of XR to help with the social and sensory challenges of driving, and make the learning process a bit smoother."
Professor Mark Brosnan from the Centre of Applied Autism Research (CAAR) at the University of Bath said: "It's fantastic to have CAAR's blueprint for the autistic community's involvement in research embedded within this innovative XRAD project. We are bringing together cutting-edge participatory research with state-of-the-art technology, to impact upon the lives of autistic people in a meaningful way."
The XRAD project is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council via a New Investigator grant awarded to Dr Tom Arthur.
