Virtual reality interface for the PATIO user involvement tool

Abstract. The objective of this thesis was to explore, implement, and evaluate means to improve user participation using virtual reality. Thus, two applications were implemented: a VR client for user feedback collection, and a web tool that works as a moderator creation editor. These tools offer an approach to collecting feedback about activities taking place in VR 3D spaces and combine different functionalities such as geolocated points of interest and 3D user interfaces. Through these applications, users are able to explore spaces and answer geolocated surveys in an interactive and immersive way. These two clients were developed side by side with other clients of the same user involvement tool and thus involved several iterations to achieve a good user experience. In addition, related work was studied to research about building VR experiences and interactive 3D user interfaces. The VR client was tested with real users (n = 14) where their experiences were gathered using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire and an Adjective cards selection method, while also being watched and interviewed. The study conducted for evaluation shows that the VR solution is important to users because they can be involved in research and product development even when it is not possible to be in a certain location or when an environment does not exist, or it no longer exists. However, better interaction methods in the virtual environment, as well as additional graphics performance optimization are needed for a better experience in the user involvement process

Two real-world case studies on 3D web applications for participatory urban planning

Abstract 3D Web is a potential platform for publishing and distributing 3D visualizations that have proven useful in enabling the participation of the general public in urban planning. However, technical requirements imposed by detailed and rich real-world plans and related functionalities are demanding for 3D web technologies. In this paper we explore the maturity of modern 3D web technologies in participatory urban planning through two real-world case studies. Applications built on Unity-based platform are published on the web to allow the general public to create, browse and comment on urban plans. The virtual models of seven urban development sites of different visual styles are optimized in terms of download sizes and memory use to be feasible on browsers used by the general public. We report qualitative feedback from users and present a technical analysis of the applications in terms of download sizes, runtime performance and memory use. We summarize the findings of the case studies into an assessment of the general feasibility of modern 3D web technologies in web-based urban planning

Extending a user involvement tool with virtual and augmented reality

Abstract Living labs are environments for acquiring user feedback on new products and services. Virtual environments can complement living labs by providing dynamic immersive setup for depicting change. This paper describes implementation of Virtual and Augmented Reality clients as an extension to a user involvement tool for an existing living lab. We conducted a user experience study with 14 participants to compare the clients. According to our study, the virtual reality client was experienced as innovative, easy to use, entertaining and fun. Whereas the augmented reality client was perceived playful and empowering