A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality on end-user design review

Engaging end-users in the design review process is imperative for the success of user-centered design in architecture, engineering, and construction projects. Recent advancements in immersive virtual reality have presented significant potential for enhancing end-user design review by providing realistic spatial experiences within a simulated environment. This study examines the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality as a method for end-user design reviews in comparison to traditional two-dimensional visualizations and physical site visits, focusing on affective appraisals and preference assessments—key aspects of end-users’ design evaluations. For this purpose, two meeting rooms at a university were created as immersive virtual reality and two-dimensional visualizations. A total of 40 participants conducted design reviews using these modalities and completed questionnaires expressing their affective appraisals and preferences for space designs, as well as technological acceptance and the sense of presence during the immersive virtual reality design review. The findings indicate that immersive virtual reality enhances the accuracy of affective appraisals related to the spatial dimensions and preference assessments for specific design attributes compared to two-dimensional visualizations. Moreover, participants perceived immersive virtual reality as a useful tool for design review and reported low levels of discomfort, such as dizziness or eye strain, underscoring the potential utility of immersive virtual reality in enhancing the end-user design review process.