[2603.09964] Understanding the Use of a Large Language Model-Powered Guide to Make Virtual Reality Accessible for Blind and Low Vision People

Computer Science > Human-Computer Interaction arXiv:2603.09964 (cs) [Submitted on 10 Mar 2026 (v1), last revised 30 Mar 2026 (this version, v2)] Title:Understanding the Use of a Large Language Model-Powered Guide to Make Virtual Reality Accessible for Blind and Low Vision People Authors:Jazmin Collins, Sharon Y Lin, Tianqi Liu, Andrea Stevenson Won, Shiri Azenkot View a PDF of the paper titled Understanding the Use of a Large Language Model-Powered Guide to Make Virtual Reality Accessible for Blind and Low Vision People, by Jazmin Collins and 4 other authors View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract:As social virtual reality (VR) grows more popular, addressing accessibility for blind and low vision (BLV) users is increasingly critical. Researchers have proposed an AI "sighted guide" to help users navigate VR and answer their questions, but it has not been studied with users. To address this gap, we developed a large language model (LLM)-powered guide and studied its use with 16 BLV participants in virtual environments with confederates posing as other users. We found that when alone, participants treated the guide as a tool, but treated it companionably around others, giving it nicknames, rationalizing its mistakes with its appearance, and encouraging confederate-guide interaction. Our work furthers understanding of guides as a versatile method for VR accessibility and presents design recommendations for future guides. Comments: Subjects: Human-Computer Interaction (cs.HC); Ar...