Exploring Vulnerabilities in Remote VR User Studies

TL;DR

The paper addresses how to conduct remote VR user studies without compromising privacy, ethics, or security. It analyzes vulnerabilities in technical literacy, data collection, and supervision, and presents a mitigation framework emphasizing onboarding, informed consent, privacy-by-design, ethical guidelines, and secure data handling. The contributions include a structured vulnerability assessment and a practical set of mitigations that can be adopted by researchers and developers. The work highlights the practical significance of responsible VR research as technology evolves and helps ensure reliable, ethical remote studies.

Abstract

This position paper explores the possibilities and challenges of using Virtual Reality (VR) in remote user studies. Highlighting the immersive nature of VR, the paper identifies key vulnerabilities, including varying technical proficiency, privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and data security risks. To address these issues, proposed mitigation strategies encompass comprehensive onboarding, prioritized informed consent, implementing privacy-by-design principles, and adherence to ethical guidelines. Secure data handling, including encryption and disposal protocols, is advocated. In conclusion, while remote VR studies present unique opportunities, carefully considering and implementing mitigation strategies is essential to uphold reliability, ethical integrity, and security, ensuring responsible and effective use of VR in user research. Ongoing efforts are crucial for adapting to the evolving landscape of VR technology in user studies.