LEARNING BASIC DESIGN WITH VIRTUAL REALITY: A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH

Basic Design remains an unexplored field regarding the input of the new technologies (e.g., Virtual Reality - VR) in teaching-learning process. Currently, a conventional (i.e., analogical) methodology is being used to teach Basic Design, at “Laboratório de Design 3D” curricular unit, in a Portuguese design university. In this context, a research study is being conducted to assess the potentialities of VR as a pedagogical tool for learning Basic Design contents. This paper presents the methodological approach applied in the study and its theoretical framework. Grounded on the Cognitive Flexibility Theory, a VR-based tool is being developed, intended to provide students the opportunity to interact with 3D structures. A quasi-experimental methodology is being used to compare two groups of students (control and experimental) in which the control group is exposed to a conventional teaching method (i.e., verbal and static pictures) and the experimental group to a hybrid method (i.e., verbal and VR-based tool). The influence of the VR-based tool will be measured based on the student’s performance, their creativity and motivation, and on their perceptions of barriers to personal creativity.