On the Effectiveness of Using Virtual Reality to View BIM Metadata in Architectural Design Reviews for Healthcare

This article reports on a study that assessed whether Virtual Reality (VR) can be used to display Building Information Modelling (BIM) metadata alongside spatial data in a virtual environment, and by doing so determine if it increases the effectiveness of the design review by improving participants’ understanding of the design. Previous research has illustrated the potential for VR to enhance design reviews, especially the ability to convey spatial information, but there has been limited research into how VR can convey additional BIM metadata. A user study with 17 healthcare professionals assessed participants’ performances and preferences for completing design reviews in VR or using a traditional design review system of PDF drawings and a 3D model. The VR condition had a higher task completion rate, a higher SUS score and generally faster completion times. VR increases the effectiveness of a design review conducted by healthcare professionals.