ISO/IEC TR 23842-1:2020 PDF

Overview

ISO/IEC TR 23842-1:2020, titled Information technology for learning, education and training - Human factor guidelines for virtual reality content - Part 1: Considerations when using VR content, provides essential human factors guidelines tailored specifically for virtual reality (VR) content in the learning, education, and training (LET) domain. Developed by ISO/IEC, this technical report addresses the unique challenges and safety considerations associated with VR usage, particularly focusing on VR experiences delivered through head-mounted displays (HMDs). The document helps reduce confusion between physical reality and virtual environments and promotes effective and safe use of VR technologies in educational settings.

Key Topics

• User Health and Safety: The standard highlights health-related issues such as VR sickness, eye strain, photosensitivity seizures, and musculoskeletal discomfort from prolonged device use. It stresses the importance of checking users' health and mental conditions before VR engagement.

• Device and Environment Considerations: Guidelines include evaluating the physical and ergonomic suitability of HMDs, ensuring proper hygiene especially for shared devices, and preparing usage environments free from physical hazards to prevent accidents caused by limited awareness of real surroundings.

• Content Selection: Emphasis is placed on selecting VR content aligned with clear educational goals, verifying content appropriateness for different age groups, and being cautious when using commercial VR materials not originally designed for educational use.

• Usage Recommendations: The document suggests taking frequent breaks to mitigate fatigue and possible adverse effects, monitoring users for abnormal symptoms during use, and advising cessation of VR use when problems occur.

• Post-Usage Guidelines: Teachers and supervisors are advised to reinforce the distinction between virtual experiences and real-life, especially to prevent risky behaviors when transitioning from VR to the physical world, which is crucial for younger users.

Applications

ISO/IEC TR 23842-1:2020 serves as a practical framework for educational institutions, training centers, VR content developers, and device manufacturers who integrate VR technology into learning environments. Practical applications include:

• Curriculum Design: Assisting educators in choosing VR content that enhances learning outcomes while ensuring user safety and comfort.

• User Safety Protocols: Providing healthcare and safety protocols for assessing learner suitability and managing VR sessions to prevent VR sickness and cognitive disorientation.

• Device Usage Policies: Establishing guidelines for safe device handling, environment preparation, and hygiene management to minimize health risks in shared VR environments.

• Content Development: Guiding developers to consider human factor issues in VR content creation to optimize immersive learning experiences without causing adverse effects.

• Parental and Teacher Guidance: Educating supervisors on monitoring children's mental and physical responses during and after VR sessions to sustain positive learning experiences and avoid confusion between virtual and real worlds.

Related Standards

For comprehensive VR and immersive technology integration in learning, the following related ISO/IEC standards and concepts should be considered:

• ISO/IEC TR 18121:2015 – Provides definitions related to virtual, mixed, and augmented realities, clarifying technology distinctions referenced in this guideline.

• ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 36 – The technical committee responsible for standards in information technology for learning, education, and training, including immersive technologies.

• VR Device Safety Standards – Complementary guidelines related to ergonomic design, electromagnetic compatibility, and user interface design enhance safe and comfortable VR use.

• Augmented and Mixed Reality Standards – While ISO/IEC TR 23842-1:2020 focuses on VR content from HMDs, other standards cover augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) applications, offering guidance on complementary immersive technologies.

Keywords: ISO/IEC VR standards, virtual reality education, VR human factors, VR safety guidelines, head-mounted display learning, VR in training, VR health considerations, immersive learning technology, VR content guidelines, educational VR content quality