Navigating urban futures: Crafting an experimental framework for eye-tracking integrated virtual reality in co-creative planning

Sudhakaran, Gargy; Prabhakaran, Abhinesh; Booth, Colin; Abbey, Samuel; Mahamadu, Abdul-Majeed; Georgakis, Panos; Pohle, Maria; Hilse, Vanessa

Abstract

Wheelchair users (WCUs) often face unnecessary risks and socio-economic exclusion due to inadequate urban infrastructure. In this context, adopting participatory design (PD) in urban infrastructure planning proffers socially inclusive urban development. However, such human-centric participatory approaches, involving WCUs, demand an acquaintance of the scenario to legitimately interfere and contribute to evaluating existing infrastructure and co-creation of urban landscapes. State-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) is a leading visualisation tool in the PD process that can immerse WCUs in critical road safety scenarios for physio-behavioural response analysis. Moreover, integrating cutting-edge eye-tracking (ET) technology can redeem VR’s constraints in behavioural tracing, enabling gaze-pattern evaluation during urban navigation and facilitating pragmatic solutions. Hence, this chapter presents an experimental framework incorporating ET and VR in the co-creation of urban infrastructural planning alongside WCUs. The framework addresses an existing research gap in adopting ET technology for urban infrastructure interventions, along with tackling a reluctance to implement such technological advancements among WCUs. As a result, this framework serves as a pivotal step towards creating a user-friendly urban environment.

• Deposit Date: May 25, 2025
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Edition: 1
• Book Title: Applications of Immersive Technology in Architecture, Engineering and Construction A Handbook
• Chapter Number: 3
• ISBN: 9781032657066
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14402977
• Publisher URL: https://www.routledge.com/Applications-of-Immersive-Technology-in-Architecture-Engineering-and-Construction-A-Handbook/Prabhakaran-Mahamadu-Booth-Manu/p/book/9781032657066
• Contract Date: Oct 1, 2024