Social distancing is currently the most effective known countermeasure against the rapid proliferation of the virus that causes COVID-19. This project aims to encourage mindfulness about maintaining interpersonal distance in shared public spaces through a multi-user virtual reality experience that simulates shopping in a grocery store. The virtual environment is populated with non-player characters that navigate through the store and also supports up to 20 concurrent live users represented as avatars. Real-time feedback is implemented using a dynamic visual effect that reacts to physical proximity, and comparative performance metrics are also provided for users to reflect on after the task is completed. © 2021 IEEE.
COVID-Vision: A virtual reality experience to encourage mindfulness of social distancing in public spaces