| The application of virtual environments to the product design process has intrigued researchers and practitioners in industry, government, and academia. Using virtual environment tools, design teams can evaluate future designs in synthetic environments before building physical prototypes, thus creating a unique capability that reduces cost, shrinks time to market, and improves product quality. However, a proliferation of visual display devices used to generate 3-D stereoscopic information is forcing organizations to decide which tools to use to enhance product design activities.; This study evaluated, through comparative empirical testing and data analysis, how several commercially-available virtual 3-D visual display systems contribute to cross-functional team collaboration in a product design review. A 4 x 4 Graeco-Latin Square experimental design assessed the value of a Helmet Mounted Display, a Binocular Omni-Orientation Monitor, stereoscopic glasses with monitor, and traditional monoscopic CRT monitor technologies for use in a concept design review process. The experiment was conducted using personnel from several functional elements of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command. Team performance measures, questionnaires, and observer evaluation aided the assessment of tested display systems.; Empirical evaluations revealed that design teams detected more errors when using the stereoscopic glasses and monoscopic CRT monitor systems, detected errors fastest when using the HMD system, and found no differences between the display systems for the time to resolve design problems. Subjective data were used to evaluate participant perceptions of each technology and user preferences.; Based on these findings, the best method for integrating virtual 3-D displays is a combined technology approach. It begins with clearly defined design review objectives, individual member evaluation of the proposed design using a HMD device, and team evaluation using stereoscopic glasses to stimulate cross-discussion and identification of design errors. Lastly, natural face-to-face communication should be used for teams to resolve design problems. This study's results strengthen the premise that virtual environments improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the design review process. They also lead to a better understanding of the trade-off required when selecting a visual display system and provide insight into future virtual environment interface designs. |
