Emotional design in the virtual environment

In order to realize human-centric design, the design specification should be based not only on the functional aspects of the product but also on an emotional evaluation, such as the impression gained from the shape or the size of the designed model. A virtual environment in which the designed model is visualized interactively using a full-scale stereo image can be used effectively as a method of emotional evaluation. Design support and design evaluation using virtual reality, augmented reality, and tele-immersion technologies are discussed. The collaborative design between designers or between designer and customer is achieved using video avatar technology in the tele-immersion environment. In addition, a design education program that includes the emotional evaluation in the virtual environment is also introduced.