Using Virtual Reality to Compare Design Alternatives Using Subjective and Objective Evaluation Methods

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to develop a method that supports a more evidence-based approach to evaluating multiple design options in virtual reality (VR), combining subjective insights gathered using traditional approaches and objective feedback gathered using the VR platform. Additionally, this study sought to understand how objective data garnered from the VR platform could be used to compliment traditional evaluation strategies. Background: VR can be a viable research platform for supporting evidence-based design practices. Prior studies have predominately utilized experiential user feedback. While able to provide valuable subjective insights, these approaches are less effective in making objective comparisons between multiple designs alternatives. Method: A repeated measures study was conducted with nursing faculty. User feedback was captured through surveys, interviews, and the VR platform. Results: The survey, interview, and the objective VR data converged in terms of identifying the highest performing design option. Survey data showed that Room 2 performed best in terms of perceived physical access to supplies, unobstructed movement, and availability of space to accommodate additional equipment. VR data showed that participants in Room 2 had significantly higher visibility to both patient and care partners throughout their simulated interaction. Conclusion: Simulation-based evaluations in VR that use a combination of users’ subjective insights and objective data obtained from VR can be an effective tool for helping designers evaluate multiple design options. The use of scenario-based simulations provided a structured and clinically relevant approach to comparing three preoperative rooms, supporting a more robust assessment of users’ physical response to a simulated healthcare environment.

Evaluating distance perception for architecture design alternatives in immersive virtual environment: a comparative study

“…In design practice, VR can lead to a better decision-making at the early stages of design conceptualization, in particular, when having a design presentation assessment for moderate designs, where at these moments, decision-making has a great effect on the project executions costs (Paes et al, 2017). Hence, previous studies have applied VR to show design alternatives among stakeholders for a single design proposal or for comparing physical environments with virtual environments (VEs) to have stakeholder's unanimity (Wingler et al, 2020). To aid in the decision-making process, accurate perception of the modeled artifacts needs to be made.…”

“…The study showed that less time is needed to make a 3D model while being fully immersed in it. Moreover, the study by Wingler et al (2020) showed that evaluations in VR based on simulation are viable in design iterations. The authors recruited 30 participants to test their physical interaction in VEs for three operation rooms in a healthcare institution.…”

Modular composite building in urgent emergency engineering projects: A case study of accelerated design and construction of Wuhan Thunder God Mountain/Leishenshan hospital to COVID-19 pandemic

“…The prefabricated buildings or so-called “modular structures” are also being used in emergency therapeutic plans in other parts of the world. For example, the “architecture + health” project of Clemson University in the United States is testing whether it is feasible to connect containers in series to assemble rapid response therapeutic facilities [ 14 ]. It has been commented that the progress of this technology “may be the future of rapid deployment of health care” [ 15 ].…”

Using Virtual Reality (VR) Mock-Ups for Evidence-Based Healthcare Facility Design Decisions

“…To highlight only a couple healthcare examples, the use of VR has demonstrated effectiveness for use with stroke rehabilitation outcomes [ 14 , 15 ], as well as surgical training to perform a laparoscopy [ 16 ] and bronchoscopy [ 17 ]. VR is also more commonly being used as a tool in architectural design, initially being used in the design of courthouses [ 18 , 19 ], and later for healthcare environments such as hospital patient rooms [ 2 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ], operating rooms [ 5 , 23 ], preoperative rooms [ 24 ], intensive care units [ 19 ], and hospital lobbies [ 18 ]. Many of these previous examples allowed users to perform walkthroughs of the space and provide feedback.…”