Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Emma Tao SURF SMART

Perception of Spatial Design in Healthcare Facilities Using an Immersive Experience

Are you excited by Virtual Reality (VR) and Immersive Experiences (IE)? Do you like 3D modeling and simulations of the built environment? How about preparing content to set up a lab experiment involving aspects from all of these? Virtual Reality (VR) is an interactive three-dimensional computer-generated experience that takes place within a simulated environment that can be explored through a variety of peripheral devices such as VR headsets. We will use an evidence-based design (EBD) approach, of basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes, to test spatial experience in-virtuo. This study is proposed as a preliminary study on spatial perception and design. The purpose of the study is to assess perception, behaviour and user experience in-virtuo in comparison to in-vivo to understand any relationship between spatial design and experience, and how they differ between a physical and virtual space.

Message To Sponsor

Thanks to the Johnson fund, the SURF- SMART program enabled me to experience the stages of academic research for the first time. This mentorship program helped me gain a deeper understanding of the value of research and the types of work involved in producing meaningful research. I learned that the final product of a project (e.g., a paper, a presentation, or a poster) is just the tip of the iceberg; a lot of effort and ingenuity are hidden behind the curtains. I really enjoyed getting hands-on experience with my mentor and appreciated her trust and acknowledgement. I learned a lot of valuable skills such as literature review and experimental design through this program.