Evaluation of Interactive VR Environments for Architecture

Abstract

Despite the potential advantages of new architectural practices and learning forms, there has been very limited adoption of VR systems in the field of architectural design and education. Considerable obstacles to implementing VR applications are associated with substantial time, and expense commitments; in addition to required skills in VR development using gaming authoring software. The overarching study suggests adopting an alternative approach to VR development. This paper focuses on the testing and validation of architectural VR applications. We present a systematic methodology for the evaluation of interactive VR systems, using established assessment methods and metrics, detailing user-testing procedures and providing qualitative and quantitative evidence, and relevant data analysis methods. The paper provides valuable insight into the design of the user studies and evaluation of interactive VR environments in architecture, enabling future research and informing design applications in a wider field.