The sole authored journal article “Extended Reality: The Next Frontier of Design” is published in The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice (Volume: 15, Issue: 1). The 7086 word count article is available for free (Open Access) in the CGScholar online bookstore.
https://experts.syr.edu/en/publications/extended-reality-the-next-frontier-of-design
Abstract
The rapid evolution of spatial computing technology that powers Extended Reality (XR) (superset of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality) experiences has introduced new possibilities for improving the product development process. This article describes insights gained through interviews with both in-house and consultancy designers that reveal a paradigm shift underway in the design process in the digital age. Traditionally, designers have focused on translating insights from user research to concepts that are then tested by users and subsequently refined to deliver a desirable, feasible, and viable product that fulfills the needs of multiple stakeholders. In an increasingly competitive market, development cycles are trimmed to save time. However, products such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices get more complex, and their time intensive development requires interdisciplinary project teams. Extended Reality brings new toolsets to the designer of the twenty-first century, allowing for faster iterations and more efficient design processes, including the simulation of desired outcomes before committing to building the real thing. This article demonstrates the impact of Extended Reality tools on design by mapping various ways that designers are currently implementing these tools, addressing the challenges of implementing them, and exploring further possibilities for applying them in the design process.