Usability evaluation study of Metaverse as a contactless counseling platform

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the domestic Metaverse psychological counseling platform based on usability evaluation factors as a non-face-to-face counseling platform, and to suggest the possible development of the Metaverse platform in the future counseling scene. This study first examined the types of psychological counseling and metaverse, and analyzed two domestic metaverse psychological counseling platforms in terms of five usability evaluation factors: counselor support, interactivity, scalability, immersion, and ethical stability. Based on the analysis, we identified the benefits and limitations of the platforms and discussed the possibility of developing the Metaverse platform as a non-face-to-face counseling platform in the future. According to the analysis, the benefits of the Metaverse psychological counseling platform can be considered positive in terms of immersion and interaction, as privacy and anonymity are guaranteed. It also provides a safe environment for counseling participants, allowing them to experience healing by recreating traumatic scenes in the virtual world. In addition, in terms of scalability, we found that it can overcome geographical limitations by being independent of physical location. Limitations of the Metaverse psychological counseling platform include anonymity, which can lead to privacy issues, and the possibility that some clients may feel that counseling in the virtual world is an unrealistic experience. In addition, we found that accessibility gaps may occur due to the technical skills of platform users. Future research, regulations, and countermeasures should be fully considered to balance the benefits and limitations of these metaverse platforms and prepare appropriate countermeasures.