Beyond Boundaries - The Feasibility of Virtual Reality Technology for Design Exhibition Events

Abstract

The shift toward digitalisation accelerated the usage of online exhibitions; however, flat-screen platforms are still constrained in terms of spatial experience, interactivity, and social presence, all of which are required in industrial design education. This study addresses the lack of experiential quality in conventional online exhibitions and seeks to establish essential criteria for improving virtual exhibitions through virtual reality (VR), with a focus on realistic graphics, interactivity, and hardware accessibility. A qualitative case study was undertaken on a pilot virtual reality exhibition created by final-year industrial design students at a Malaysian university. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with ten participants, including designers and lecturers. The results show that realistic graphics promote design authenticity, interactivity improves engagement and assessment, and hardware dependency influences accessibility and user experience. These findings underscore the need of striking a balance between immersive design and technological inclusion. This study offers practical insights into creating effective and scalable VR display frameworks that support improved learning, evaluation, and remote collaboration in design education. Keywords: Exhibition event, virtual reality exhibition, online exhibition, immersive experience, spatial experience