Embracing virtual reality

Abstract

This chapter investigates the potential impacts of virtual reality (VR) technology on the design process, particularly in engineering and design fields. VR, defined as a computer-generated simulation, has already found applications in various professional domains such as engineering, training, marketing, and ergonomics. However, its potential influence on the design process remains to be explored. The aim of this investigation is to assess the impacts of VR on professionals, users, technology, and the design profession as a whole. The chapter proposes a set of general guidelines for incorporating VR in the design process and emphasizes the need for human-centered approaches to enhance the acceptability and acceptance of VR. While VR offers tangible advantages and benefits, it also presents limitations and challenges that must be addressed for it to be established as a strategic design tool. The chapter concludes by suggesting the development of a taxonomy for evaluating and utilizing VR and emphasizes the importance of considering human-centered approaches and integrating artificial intelligence tools to enhance design activities further. VR has the potential to foster divergent and convergent thinking, facilitate co-creative activities, improve prototyping and concept evaluation, and enhance immersive product presentations, thereby transforming the roles of designers and the design profession as a whole.