Virtual Reality in Design Methods: Case Study of an Automotive Design Product

In the operational stages of automotive design, and more broadly in industrial design, the design path within its complexity consists of a number of steps that must be taken in a particular order. After the initial rounds of research and freehand sketching, a 3D model is used to give the product concept shape. This task requires the use of CAD software, which operates in a highly strict manner, breaking the conceptual continuity of the freedom of thinking up to this point. In this work, we explore the use of virtual reality as a transitional tool between the aforementioned stages, attempting to make use of its benefits, such as interactional simplicity and modeling freedom, up until this concept is realized. Moreover, it is possible to observe, that one of the greatest expressive freedoms of virtual reality within the industrial sphere, is certainly that referring to the full-scale visualization and revision of shapes modeled through special software; in this study, however, we try to go further by going to carry out the entire concept modeling phase already and completely within VR software. By delving into the design timeline, we will then go on to explore what possibilities can be offered by the realization of three-dimensional surfaces, modeled already at the correct scale, and how these aspects can be efficiently integrated within a methodology, assessing variations in timing and quality of work. We will also try to intercept any downsides to try to get a clear understanding of what possibilities could be offered soon by this technology and whether indeed these types of processes can replace current methods, established for years.