Exploring the Impact of Some Types of Virtual Tours on Data Center Design Proficiency

Abstract

The use of virtual tours has garnered attention as a promising method to enhance skills in various domains, including data center design. This research delves into the influence of different virtual tour modalities on the enhancement of data center design proficiency among both students and professionals. Through a comprehensive series of experiments and surveys, we investigate the efficacy of panoramic and video-based virtual tours in augmenting participants' comprehension of data center design principles, their capacity to apply these principles practically, and their overall competency in crafting efficient and reliable data centers. Our findings demonstrate a significant enhancement in data center design proficiency facilitated by virtual tours, particularly immersive and interactive formats surpassing traditional methods. Furthermore, our study uncovers the role of individual variances, such as prior expertise and experience in data center design, in modulating the effectiveness of virtual tours. These insights carry substantial implications for the evolution of pedagogical strategies in data center design education and training, advocating for the integration of virtual tour technologies into established curricula.