Development and Feasibility Demonstration of a Smartphone-Based Virtual Reality Prototype for Student Wellness in a Resource-Constrained University Environment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2026.v3i4.247Keywords:
Immersive Technology, Low-Cost Computing, Smartphone-Based VR, Student Wellness, Virtual RealityAbstract
The increasing prevalence of stress among university students has become an important concern due to its potential impact on academic performance, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Research has explored tools like virtual reality (VR) for managing stress and improving well-being. While VR has shown promise as a supportive technology for wellness applications, many existing solutions rely on expensive hardware and sophisticated software that are often inaccessible in developing countries. This study demonstrates the development and feasibility of a low-cost smartphone-based virtual reality prototype designed to provide immersive relaxation experiences for university students in a resource-constrained environment. A design-oriented research approach was adopted to develop a prototype using commercially available smartphones, inexpensive VR headsets, and freely available 360-degree panoramic videos. The implementation process involved VR content preparation, smartphone optimization, system deployment, and a small-scale demonstration involving undergraduate students within a controlled university environment. The demonstration showed that the prototype could be successfully deployed using affordable hardware with minimal technical infrastructure. Participants generally found the immersive experience engaging and relaxing, although practical challenges including smartphone overheating, internet dependency for online content, device compatibility, and initial user orientation were observed. These findings indicate that smartphone-based VR systems can be implemented at relatively low cost within Nigerian universities and may serve as a practical foundation for future research involving structured usability assessments and controlled evaluations of student wellness interventions. The findings may assist educators, researchers, counselors, and institutional administrators interested in exploring affordable immersive technologies for student support services.
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