Embodied Cognition

A theory in cognitive science proposing that the mind is not an isolated entity but is deeply integrated with the body's sensorimotor systems. In other words, how we think, perceive, and make decisions is shaped by our physical bodies and their interactions with the environment. In VR and accessibility contexts, embodied cognition is leveraged by giving users avatars that match their physical characteristics (such as seated eye height, wheelchair dimensions, and reach range), enabling them to perceive and assess virtual environments as they would in real life. Research has shown that embodied VR experiences lead to higher information recall, better spatial understanding, and more accurate accessibility assessments compared to disembodied views like photos or floating-camera virtual tours.