Designing With Virtual Environments: Exploring Object Attachment Through Digital Interaction

Abstract

The purpose of this master's study pilot research project is to develop a framework for evaluating object attachment in a digital space. The article examines product design development through a game studies lens, making use of cross-disciplinary references. It seeks to fill a research gap by investigating the effectiveness of digital user engagement with object attachment via the research question, 'How can digital interaction be utilized to evaluate object attachment?' The study investigates the usefulness of a virtual environment in assessing user attachment to objects in a digital space, through a prototype experience and personalized interviews. Notes and data from the play experience were triangulated with qualitative data from interviews, to provide an analysis of opinions on object attachment inside the designated virtual environment. The aim of this pilot research project is to prepare for further studies of novel, inventive, and alternative methodologies for investigating user opinions of designers' and engineers' works. The discussion elaborates on the flexibility for educators to apply other design theories to such a framework. Finally, the study will examine the benefits and applications of this preliminary framework for students and educators of product design in a sustainable and collaborative context.