Interactive prototype in VR for industrial design
Interactive VR prototypes in industrial design offer a dynamic way to visualize, test, and refine products early in the development process. By immersing designers and stakeholders in a virtual space, VR prototypes provide a realistic sense of scale, proportion, and usability that traditional 2D renderings or physical mockups can’t fully achieve.
Development Process
- Developing the CAD prototype and exporting in .fbx
- Importing the CAD files into VR development application
- Developing the VR environment and the interactive experience
- Building the application file and installing it to the VR headset
- Experiencing the interactive VR experience
Applications, plugins and tools used in the process
- CAD development – Fusion 360
- VR development – Unity/ Autohands plugin
- VR headset – Oculus Quest 2
Insights
Current Process:
- Begin with sketches, followed by CAD models.
- CAD models are rendered on 2D screens to create photorealistic images and videos.
- Physical prototypes are developed at 1:1 or varying scales for user testing, using actual or alternative materials.
Limitations:
- CAD Renderings: Provide photorealism but lack an accurate sense of physical size.
- Physical Prototypes: Offer realistic spatial and volume perception but are time-consuming and costly to produce.
VR-Based Virtual Prototypes:
- Combine the benefits of CAD renderings and physical prototypes.
- Provide a realistic sense of scale, space, and interaction in a virtual environment.
- Enable efficient, immersive testing without the need for physical materials.