Designing AI-driven conversational agents to support older adults’ virtual reality learning and lifelong growth

This research investigates how AI-driven conversational agents (CAs) can support older adults in learning and engaging with virtual reality (VR) technology. Through semi-structured interviews with three participants aged 50+ and a participatory design workshop, we explored the challenges older adults face when learning VR, their specific support needs, and their expectations for AI assistance. Our findings reveal a complex set of challenges in VR learning, including physical barriers, interface complexity, and social-contextual factors. Participants expressed a need for personalized, adaptive support that respects their autonomy while offering consistent guidance. Their expectations for AI-driven CAs emphasized natural interaction, context awareness, and appropriate emotional engagement, while maintaining clear professional boundaries. Based on these insights, we offer design recommendations for AI-driven CAs to effectively support older adults’ VR learning. These include balancing functionality with usability, integrating emotional intelligence with professional boundaries, and ensuring seamless adaptation to diverse social and environmental contexts. This research contributes to the growing field of age-inclusive technology design and provides practical guidelines for developing AI-supported VR learning systems that foster lifelong growth and engagement.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Industrial Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Cheng, Qiyuan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gupta, Avinash

• Ai-driven Conversational Agents
• Virtual Reality
• Older Adults
• Participatory Design
• Human-ai Interaction
• Design For Aging
• Learning Support
• Technology Adoption

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Qiyuan Cheng

Language dc:language

eng, en

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127516

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/127516