PROTOTYPING REMOTELY TOGETHER with 2D, 3D and IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY DESIGN TOOLS

Abstract

The 2020 pandemic demanded changes to design education from in-person to distant and hybrid learning and accelerated the use of new technologies in both design education and professional working methods. In this new paradigm, how do we re-engage studio-like interactions, collaborative making and co-design strategies? This preliminary study, with 25 midwestern US industrial design students, adds to previous research on designing with 2D and 3D digital desktop tools versus immersive virtual reality when co-designing prototypes. The results showed a measurable difference in the quantity of prototypes favouring digital desktop design tools, but a negligible difference in the quality of prototypes even with little experience with immersive virtual reality tools. This study suggests a need to integrate immersive virtual reality in earlier design education as more experience may lead to further advantages and design results.