Brainstorming in an immersive environment using Virtual Reality technology.
Virtual Reality (VR) technology is transforming the design process in various industries, including Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Marie-Pierre Verrier, from the Institut Arts et Métriers of Laval, discusses an innovative approach called "immersive storming." This technique, which leverages VR for brainstorming sessions, is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to stimulate creativity and optimize innovation.
Brainstorming and Its Iterations
Brainstorming, a technique invented in 1940 by American publicist Alex Osborn, is a creative thinking process used in many companies today. Over the years, the method has evolved to cater to diverse user needs, from brainwriting to minimize public speaking anxiety, to post-it wall exercises, body storming, and challenge-storming that capitalize on competition and cooperation to drive innovation.
Immersive Storming: A New Frontier
Virtual Reality experts, Simon Richir and Sylvain Fleury, have introduced the concept of "immersive storming" – ideation sessions conducted with an Augmented or Virtual Reality headset. According to research carried out by the Presence & Innovation team of Arts et Métriers of Laval, immersive storming can significantly improve a company's ideation and innovation processes.
The journey begins within a virtual environment, providing a visual stimulus that boosts creativity amongst users (Fleury et al., 2020). The immersive nature of VR allows users to interact more naturally and encourages creativity by offering unique and inspiring environments.
Embodiment and Motion in Immersive Storming
The embodiment experienced through an avatar in VR not only deals with social influence issues but also motivates users to be more active, promoting creativity. Research shows that Virtual Reality tools facilitate standing and movement, which helps users enter a state of flow – a crucial factor for idea divergence (Mille, Christmann, Fleury & Richir, 2020).
Virtual Reality: An Ideal Innovation Tool
More and more scientific research is highlighting the added value of Virtual Reality for ideation. For example, experiments by Yang and colleagues (2018) have shown that VR can surpass traditional paper/pencil methods for initial product sketches since immersion facilitates the entry into a state of flow. Furthermore, studies by Feeman, Wright & Salmon (2018) have revealed that classic CAD tools used with keyboard/mouse are detrimental to creativity and should be used as late as possible in projects.
Ideal Software for Immersive Storming
Popular software for immersive storming includes tools like Time to Sketch and Virtual Reality conferencing applications such as Rumii – an environment allowing avatars to collaborate. Such software offers a quality user experience that stimulates and empowers, providing a powerful tool for brainstorming and ideation.
Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing brainstorming sessions through immersive storming, a technique that leverages Virtual Reality (VR) for ideation. The immersive nature of VR not only boosts creativity by offering unique and inspiring environments but also motivates users to be more active and enter a state of flow, essential for idea divergence.
