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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
NASA is creating a VR application simulating the passenger experience of riding in an urban air taxi. The application will allow users to experience the sensations of being in an air taxi and will be used to understand whether people experience discomfort and from what stimuli. Prior to building out the application, we want you to help design the User Interface/User Experience by developing a mockup of the VR application.
Users will be using VR headsets to experience a simulated flight in an air taxi and indicate when they feel discomfort and how long the discomfort continues. Once in the VR environment, they will take a test flight to practice using the controls and then two full flights. Before and after each flight they must answer a questionnaire.
Competitors were tasked with creating all the screens and the flow through the project. They were also asked to be creative and create the best user experience. Competitors were provided the flow, some graphics and text files, and were asked to figure out the best ways for the user to complete the experience.
Prototype VR application that allows the general public to participate in urban air taxi passenger discomfort study at-home, using consumer grade virtual reality systems.
If successful, this approach can be replicated in other VR-based studies that can be conducted with the general public.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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