DESIGN ASPECTS FOR EFFECTIVE INTERGROUP INTERACTION IN SOCIAL VIRTUAL REALITY: BRIDGING MINORITY-MAJORITY DIVIDES

This paper examines design aspects of Social Virtual Reality (SVR) environments as next-gen digital services that can influence intergroup interactions and contribute to users' well-being and inclusion. We draw on the results of a mixed-methods study of 70 Jewish-Israeli participants from diverse backgrounds (Ethiopian-Israelis, Ultra-Orthodox, and secular Israelis), to reflect on how specific design elements can enhance the quality and equity of intergroup contact, thereby re-shaping e-services and e-society towards more positive engagement. In this paper, we present our primary conclusions and discuss how avatar customization, spatial arrangement, activity structure, technical accessibility, and group composition have differential impacts on minority and majority participants, offering insights into creating accessible and personalized experiences for all individuals. While members of majority groups initially reported higher social meaning in interactions, we argue that carefully designed SVR environments can help equalize interaction quality and reduce initial attitudinal gaps. We identify seven key design recommendations for creating equitable SVR experiences: identity-affirming avatar design, structured spatial introduction, progressive activity structure, comprehensive technical support, small group dynamics, equal status conditions, and gender-sensitive design. These findings contribute to understanding how SVR can be optimized as a novel digital solution to foster meaningful intergroup contact and address societal challenges related to social equity, particularly in contexts where face-to-face interaction is limited by geographical, social, or political barriers, thus promoting a more inclusive future.