ONLINE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR USER-CENTERED DESIGN: A CASE STUDY

Authors

  • Juan López-Tarruella Maldonado
  • CARMEN LINARES MILLAN
  • JAIME GUIXERES PROVINCIALE
  • JUAN LUIS HIGUERA TRUJILLO

Keywords:

diseño centrado en el usuario, visualización arquitectónica, diseño asistido por ordenador, simulación por ordenador, realidad virtual, game engines, ingeniería gráfica

Abstract

In recent years, technology allows the use of interactive virtual environments with very different applications. Within the collaborative design, virtual environments allow users to assess design proposals in a very natural way, being suitable for the evaluation of the emotions that spaces generate. Furthermore, the feasibility of independently changing design variables makes them especially apt as a tool for experimental studies. The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of using Virtual Environments and Online surveys as a tool for assessing the emotional component of space. To do it, 72 participants took part in an experiment assessing different color ranges in an online virtual environment imitating a breastfeeding room. Subsequent statistical analysis showed significant relationships between color ranges, emotions and preferences, so recommendations for color selection could be specified. The results obtained in the evaluation of color ranges and in the use of Virtual Environments may be of interest to design and architecture professionals that wish to take into account user preferences during design stages. Keywords: user-centered design, architectural visualization, Computer Aided Design, computer simulation, virtual reality,

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Published

2016-11-01

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Section

ARTICULOS