Application of virtual reality to assess thermal, visual perception, and users' adaptive behaviors for sedentary activities

Abstract

VR technology has shown to effectively explore the psychological and physiological effects of the built environment on users. This study investigates multisensory integration using VR technology, focusing on same-modal and cross-modal effects during sedentary activities. A survey-based approach was employed to collect data from participants within a controlled climate setting. A virtual replica of Monash Makerspace was developed to assess its thermal, visual impact, and behavioral responses. The results revealed significant differences in the same modal effects, however, no significant differences in cross-modal effects were observed regarding the influence of visual stimuli on thermal sensations, preferences, and comfort. Conversely, cross-modal effects of thermal conditions on visual perceptions demonstrated significant differences in visual sensation and comfort, except for visual preferences. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in physiological responses between IVEs and among thermal conditions. The findings indicate that warm yellow lights are only suitable and comfortable for users during cool temperatures. In contrast, cool white light was most preferred and comfortable across conditions for users. A small number of participants preferred the lighting in between the two visual scenarios evaluated. The insight can inform the design of new buildings and retrofitting of existing ones to accommodate user comfort, particularly given that Australian buildings maintain indoor thermal conditions between 18ºC to 30ºC across seasons. Nevertheless, the study has some limitations, including that participants were exposed to these visual scenarios and thermal conditions for a short duration, which does not represent the long-term adaptation effects. Also, the study was conducted using students within the age bracket of 18-40 years, limiting the generalizability of the findings to younger or older groups