A Matter of Perception Investigating the Effect of Virtual Reality on Spatial Understanding

Abstract

Within the industry of architecture, interior design and construction, stakeholders and clients can differ significantly in their level of spatial understanding. Traditional media and new media, such as Virtual Reality (VR), are used to visualize spaces to create a bridge between professionals and non-professionals in the understanding of space. However, it remains unclear which medium increases spatial understanding for non-professionals more effectively. In this study we compared spatial understanding among non-professionals of a real space, an apartment, using three conditions: (a) being in the real space, (b) being in VR and (c) through a traditional desktop screen. Forty-five participants estimated spatial measures such as height, length and depth of a room and its furniture (objective spatial understanding). The results revealed that objective spatial understanding did not differ significantly between the three conditions. However, non-professionals revealed that VR made it easier to estimate the measurements of complex and less familiar objects and made them feel more confident about the accuracy of the estimated measures. The feeling of engagement was found to be a possible predictor for this effect. In addition the possibility to make use of one's own body as a reference point in VR, increased confidence as well. The results indicate that VR may improve the communication between clients and architects and interior designers, but only when it concerns complicated spaces and unfamiliar objects.