Research Article
Exploring VR as a Method to Study User Perceptions of Challenges in Green Transition Technology in Nature
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-031-85663-1_4, author={Petra Nurmela and Juri Etto and Jonna H\aa{}kkil\aa{}}, title={Exploring VR as a Method to Study User Perceptions of Challenges in Green Transition Technology in Nature}, proceedings={Design, Learning, and Innovation. 9th EAI International Conference, DLI 2024, Virtual Event, November 7--8, 2024, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={DLI}, year={2025}, month={3}, keywords={nature HCI virtual reality user studies user experience green transition sustainability}, doi={10.1007/978-3-031-85663-1_4} }- Petra Nurmela
Juri Etto
Jonna Häkkilä
Year: 2025
Exploring VR as a Method to Study User Perceptions of Challenges in Green Transition Technology in Nature
DLI
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-85663-1_4
Abstract
In this paper, we explore Virtual Reality (VR) as a tool for user studies assessing nature perceptions. We collect user perceptions of green transition technology in nature, and compare a natural landscape and one with windmills, both as paper and VR representations, in a user study (n = 14). Our salient findings indicate that while VR provides more immersive and engaging experiences, paper-based visualizations allow more freedom for the user’s own imagination and reflections on personal experiences on green technologies in nature. Moreover, in VR, the participants tend to get more distracted by the visual details, for instance the implausibilities of the virtual world. The landscape without windmills was perceived as more positive (PANAS) and more restorative (PRS).
