Simulating Nature for Elderly Users - A Design Approach for Recreational Virtual Environments

Recreational nature experiences are rehabilitative for humans. Nature-oriented virtual environments (VEs) might be able to provide similar experiences. A pilot study have shown to increase the enjoyment of an exercise experience for retirement home residents, by augmenting their everyday bike exercise with a custom made recreational VE. This paper proposed a set of guidelines with design considerations that should be considered essential when designing recreational VEs. The guidelines combine considerations from tourism, urban and landscape design, psychology and VE navigation guidelines.