[DC] CoboDeck Pro: Advanced Encounter-Typed Haptic Device for Collaborative Architectural Design in Walkable VR

Abstract

Haptic feedback has consistently shown its potential to enhance task performance in virtual environments. In architectural design, the ability to sketch and conceptualize directly in Virtual Reality (VR), rather than relying on traditional methods, offers a transformative shift in the design process. Integrating haptic feedback into this process can further improve design practices. This dissertation introduces CoboDeck Pro, an advanced haptic device designed to simulate structural deformation, enabling more informed decision-making during early design stages. Additionally, the research addresses multi-user haptic interactions to foster interdisciplinary collaboration while reducing system costs per user. The proposed platform integrates into architectural design frameworks, making the process more collaborative, interactive, and responsive.