2018/11/13 by van Jp Jos Leeuwen, Klaske Hermans, Antti Jylhä +2 · 1 citation
Computer Science · Environmental Science · Engineering · #Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts #Urban Green Space and Health #Evacuation and Crowd Dynamics
paper · doi:10.1145/3284389.3284491
openalex publication_date 2018/11/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
In urban planning, 3D modeling and virtual reality (VR) provide new means for involving citizens in the planning process. For municipal government, it is essential to know how effective these means are, to justify investments. In this study, we present a case of using VR in a municipal process of civic participation concerning the redesign of a public park. The process included co-design activities and involved citizens in decision-making through a ballot, using 3D-rendered versions of competing designs. In co-design, 3D-modeling tools were instrumental in empowering citizens to negotiate design decisions, to discuss the quality of designs with experts, and to collectively take decisions. This paper demonstrates that, in a ballot on competing designs with 1302 citizens, VR headsets proved to be equally effective compared to other display technologies in informing citizens during decision making. The results of an additional, controlled experiment indicate that VR headsets provide higher engagement and more vivid memories than viewing the designs on non-immersive displays.