VR 가상 프로토타입 평가 방법을 활용한 디자인 프로세스 개선 -조명 디자인을 중심으로-

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and advantages of replacing traditional physical prototype evaluation methods with virtual prototype evaluation methods using Virtual Reality (VR) in the verification stage of the product design process. Specifically, the study focuses on evaluating lighting with ‘Spatial Dominance’ characteristics. Gen AI was employed to generate initial lighting design concepts, which were subsequently integrated into the VR-based evaluation process to serve as tools for assessing lighting prototypes in virtual environments. An experiment involving 38 participants was conducted to compare physical prototype evaluation (Method A) and virtual prototype evaluation (Method B), focusing on four key factors: ‘Happy’, ‘Ergonomic’, ‘Reliable’, and ‘Feasible’. The analysis revealed that Method B demonstrated strengths in rapid feedback processing, ease of modification, real-time control of light intensity and color temperature, and flexibility in test environment configurations. These advantages highlighted the potential of virtual evaluation methods in these domains. However, Method B exhibited limitations compared to Method A, such as lower realism, difficulty in accurately perceiving size and weight, challenges in natural light representation, and the complexity of initial manipulation. In contrast, Method A was rated higher in ‘Ergonomic’, ‘Reliable’, and ‘Feasible’, attributed to the ability to perform physical interactions and naturally experience light reflection and diffusion. This study underscores the potential of VR-based evaluation methods to move beyond simple shape assessment, enabling comprehensive evaluations of diverse lighting attributes. The findings are expected to contribute to improving the efficiency and practicality of lighting design processes in the future.