A Comparison of Real World and Virtual World Interior Environments

Abstract

Objective The objective of the study was to investigate whether observation of virtual reality simulation (virtual world) of interior environments provides the same information about characteristics of that environment as observation of the existing (real world) interior environment. Research Design The participants observed a real world test environment, a virtual simulation of the environment, and a virtual simulation with some altered components. A questionnaire was developed to compare observations. The questions consisted of comparative rating scales, closed–ended questions, open–ended questions, and a semantic differential scale. Real, virtual, and altered virtual worlds were compared for differences in visual accessibility, reach accessibility, and perception of ability to converse. Analysis Wilcoxon's Signed Ranks Test and tests were used to test the hypotheses. Additionally, frequencies, percentages, and mean scores were used to analyze the data. Key Findings Comparisons among a real world environment, a virtual world environment, and an altered virtual world environment suggest that visibility of objects and obstacles, the ability to reach objects and specified points, and the ability to share or communicate with other persons within the environments are consistent among the three worlds. Conclusion The findings of the study suggest that a virtual simulation can be a viable method for planning, creating, and testing environments before they are constructed or for creating recognizable simulations of existing environments, furnishings, and architectural components. Virtual simulation may be used to assess planned environments and changes to existing environments.