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International audience; Ergonomics has several theoretical frameworks at its disposal for assessing the acceptability of technologies, and it uses numerous methodologies that exist within the discipline. Authors generally base their studies on one or other of these theoretical and methodological approaches, which are sometimes seen as mutually incompatible. The present article, however, seeks to demonstrate the interest of combining three methodological approaches (i.e., experimental, ecological, and prospective methodologies) in designing emerging technologies that will be accepted. Our first focus is conceptual, and the arguments we present for taking a holistic view of the acceptability of emerging technologies are based on the foundations, the contributions and the limitations of three theoretical frameworks of acceptance (i.e., social acceptance, practical acceptance, and situated acceptance). Our second focus is methodological: using our own work as evidence we argue that an experimental methodology can further both the practical acceptance and the social acceptance of Virtual Reality, that an ecological methodology can further its situated acceptance, and that a prospective methodology has relevance to all three facets. We discuss and suggest some recommendations regarding the use of these methodologies according to the type of design project.Highlights A holistic view of the acceptability of emerging technologies based on social, practical and situated acceptance is proposed. The experimental approach informs the practical and social acceptance of virtual reality. The ecological approach promotes situated acceptance of emerging technologies. The prospective approach is relevant to social, practical and situated acceptance.

The commercialization of Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) aimed at the general public has led several videogame and virtual reality companies to offer new modes for continuous travel, in additi...