Immersive Virtual Environment Technology to Supplement Environmental Perception, Preference and Behavior Research: A...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Public Health Research

Background:

• Immersive virtual environment (IVE) technology is increasingly recognized for its potential in environmental perception research.
• Traditional methods in public health often lack the controlled, immersive qualities IVE can provide.
• Understanding human responses to built and natural environments is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of IVE technology in perception, preference, and behavior research.
• To demonstrate how IVE can complement traditional research methods in public health.
• To introduce accessible workflows and tools for creating and utilizing 360° virtual environments.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on IVE in environmental perception studies.
• Description of a workflow for creating 360° virtual environments.
• Presentation of two freely-available, customizable IVE applications.

Main Results:

• IVE technology offers significant benefits for studying human responses to environments.
• A straightforward workflow for developing virtual environments is presented.
• Two adaptable software applications are introduced for scientific use.

Conclusions:

• IVE technology provides a valuable, complementary approach to traditional research methods.
• Accessible tools and workflows can facilitate broader adoption of IVE in environmental and public health research.
• Further research utilizing IVE can advance understanding of human-environment interactions.