Virtual reality interface for the PATIO user involvement tool

• Main Author: Florea, C. (Ciprian)
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Oulu 2019
• Online Access: http://jultika.oulu.fi/Record/nbnfioulu-201906272675

Abstract. The objective of this thesis was to explore, implement, and evaluate means to improve user participation using virtual reality. Thus, two applications were implemented: a VR client for user feedback collection, and a web tool that works as a moderator creation editor. These tools offer an approach to collecting feedback about activities taking place in VR 3D spaces and combine different functionalities such as geolocated points of interest and 3D user interfaces. Through these applications, users are able to explore spaces and answer geolocated surveys in an interactive and immersive way. These two clients were developed side by side with other clients of the same user involvement tool and thus involved several iterations to achieve a good user experience. In addition, related work was studied to research about building VR experiences and interactive 3D user interfaces. The VR client was tested with real users (n = 14) where their experiences were gathered using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire and an Adjective cards selection method, while also being watched and interviewed. The study conducted for evaluation shows that the VR solution is important to users because they can be involved in research and product development even when it is not possible to be in a certain location or when an environment does not exist, or it no longer exists. However, better interaction methods in the virtual environment, as well as additional graphics performance optimization are needed for a better experience in the user involvement process.