Are two heads better than one?: object-focused work in physical and in virtual environments
Proceedings of the ACM symposium on Virtual reality software and technology
Automated end-user behaviour assessment tool for remote product and system testing
Expert Systems with Applications: An International Journal
A networked virtual manufacturing system for SMEs
International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Tangible augmented prototyping of digital handheld products
Computers in Industry
Using a 3D game to study the perceived quality of lifting device controls
Proceedings of the International Conference on Advances in Computer Enterntainment Technology
Product interface design: A participatory approach based on virtual reality
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
ICVR'07 Proceedings of the 2nd international conference on Virtual reality
Procedings of the Second Conference on Creativity and Innovation in Design
User centred methods for gathering VR design tool requirements
EGVE - JVRC'11 Proceedings of the 17th Eurographics conference on Virtual Environments & Third Joint Virtual Reality
Proceeding of the 16th International Academic MindTrek Conference
User centred approach for home environment designing
Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments
Evaluating the Usability of Multimedia, Mobile and Network-Based Products
International Journal of Wireless Networks and Broadband Technologies
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This paper describes a study of a three-dimensional virtual prototype intended for usability testing and concept validation over the Internet. A virtual reality modeling language (VRML)-model of a fictive mobile phone concept with simulated interaction functionality was tested for usability following two approaches. The first group performed a traditional task-based usability test; the other performed a free exploration test. The approaches were compared e.g. by asking the participants to draw their mental model of the product's user interface. The research aimed at supporting de-centralized product development. The goal was to expand the possibilities of user-centered design methods by utilizing the Internet. The results indicate that 3D virtual reality prototypes can be used for remote usability testing and design evaluation. The limitations and requirements for successful prototyping and testing are discussed. The task-based and free exploration testing approaches are also compared. Moreover, broader issues on usability testing using virtual reality (VR) models compared to physical models are discussed, for example how users experienced the product from the VR model compared to a physical appearance model.