User Experience Design in Virtual Reality Education for Dementia Care Training: A Scoping Review

Traditional dementia care training often falls short in equipping staff with the knowledge and skills needed to improve quality of life for people with dementia. Virtual Reality (VR)-based experiential learning has emerged as a promising approach, enhancing learning outcomes and training experience for individuals receiving education and training related to dementia care. This scoping review mapped VR education tools used in dementia care, the UX-related measurement methods employed, and the extent to which UX design has been integrated into these tools. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, a systematic search was conducted across seven databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, MEDLINE, CINAHL, IEEE Xplore, PubMed). PRISMA ScR guidelines were used to map gaps in UX design and engagement strategies within VR learning systems. Data were extracted using a comprehensive UX framework for immersive VR to synthesize user experience components. Twenty-four peer-reviewed publications were included, covering VR scenario development and UX. The findings suggest potential benefits of integrating UX principles into VR education tools to support training experience, learner satisfaction, and care quality. A key gap was identified: limited and inconsistent integration of UX design components and measurement methods within existing VR tools. Drawing on these insights, the review provides practical guidance for optimizing VR training programs in dementia care.