Immersion Through Extended Reality as a Tool Applied to Wayfinding Inside Hospitals

The paper investigates the use of Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence, GPS technologies, and 3D modeling to improve wayfinding systems inside and around hospitals, especially for vulnerable users with sensory, cognitive, or motor impairments. The study proposes a multilevel immersion framework combining Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to guide users from urban-scale navigation to indoor hospital routing. The methodology integrates 360° scans, 3D models, geolocation systems, audio and visual guidance, VR glasses, touchscreens, and AI-based route optimization to create accessible navigation experiences adapted to different disability groups. The research develops a scalable navigation strategy structured across urban, environmental, and architectural scales, emphasizing inclusive healthcare accessibility and user-centered spatial orientation.