The metaverse and immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are increasingly changing the world in which consumers live. New opportunities for social interaction, consumption and education are accompanied by considerable risks - for example in terms of data protection, mental health and digital participation. As existing legal regulations have so far only insufficiently addressed these challenges, there is a considerable need to create a sound basis for secure and consumer-oriented design.
The aim of the study is to identify key problems and requirements of consumers in dealing with the metaverse and to derive concrete recommendations for policy and standardization.
The project consists of four central work steps:
- Literature and legal analysis: identification of psychological, health, social and legal risks in dealing with the metaverse. In addition, real user complaints from forums and blogs are evaluated.
- Qualitative analysis: Two online focus groups (one with users, one with relatives) examine user experiences, challenges and expectations of a safe design.
- Quantitative online survey: The previously identified problem areas are empirically validated in two online surveys with 200 participants each.
- Expert workshop and recommendations for action: The results are incorporated into an interdisciplinary workshop, the aim of which is to develop concrete design principles and political recommendations for action.
