Enabling Inclusive Access to Restricted Sacred Spaces: A Real-World Comparison of VR360 and AI-Driven Virtual Reality

This study investigates how virtual reality systems can support inclusive access to culturally restricted sacred heritage sites. Two extended reality (XR) approaches were developed and deployed in a real-world setting: a VR360 virtual tour and an AI-driven immersive virtual reality prototype with conversational interaction. A research-in-the-wild, between-subjects study was conducted with 136 participants using mixed methods, including standardized questionnaires (System Usability Scale, User Engagement Scale, and Igroup Presence Questionnaire), retrospective interviews, and exhibition staff observations. The results reveal clear trade-offs between the two systems. The VR360 system demonstrated higher usability and operational reliability, requiring minimal supervision and technical resources, whereas the AI-driven immersive VR system supported embodied exploration and conversational inquiry, which was associated with higher spatial presence and helped visitors address questions during exploration. Qualitative findings further indicate that conversational interaction enhanced user experience but also introduced greater technical complexity and staffing requirements. Overall, the study provides empirical insights for designing and deploying XR systems in heritage contexts and highlights how different levels of immersion and interaction influence usability, presence, and operational feasibility when supporting inclusive access to culturally restricted sites.