VR and AR in Teaching 3D Environment Design for Video Games

Abstract

VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) are two different technologies that bring alternative or projected realities to our life [1]. They allow us to imagine and simulate any non-real sense of space as if it were real [2]. When teaching 3D design, a common problem would be being forced to look at the design through a 2D screen trying to navigate around it. Especially to a person who is not a professional on the field [3]. In this research we aim to provide details on how VR and AR technologies can be useful to fill this gap and provide better cognition by simulating the feeling of the real space and thus, better and faster learning curve for 3D design students. The method of this research is both experimentation and observation. We started to use these technologies in numerous classes and, important results started to emerge as we observe the improvement on the student’s understanding of 3D space and geometry. The students’ impressions along with their ability to create 3D geometry are observed. There is a clear and a considerable gain in favor of students when it comes to understanding and visualizing 3D spaces for environmental design when experienced through a VR or AR device. This way, students gain a big benefit on understanding the basics of 3D space and they visualize their own ideas and creations better as they also gain better reference points to establish a basis for their design. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.