A4 Refereed article in a conference publication
Virtual Reality for Environmental Sustainability: Case Cruise Entertainment
Authors: Nirhamo, Eero; Heimo, Olli I.; Lehtonen, Teijo
Editors: N/A
Conference name: Stereoscopic Displays and Applications
Publisher: Society for Imaging Science & Technology
Publication year: 2026
Journal: IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging
Book title : Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XXXVII
Volume: 38
First page : 344-1
Last page: 344-7
eISSN: 2470-1173
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2352/EI.2026.38.2.SDA-344
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.2352/ei.2026.38.2.sda-344
This paper outlines a study exploring the potential of implementing a behavior change intervention via virtual reality (VR) to further sustainability communication. A prototype experience was created and tested utilizing the distinctive possibilities of VR, in the context of doubling as entertainment for cruise guests. Tailoring sustainability information to a specific audience while being entertaining, utilizing the features and understanding the limitations of VR in this context were some of the challenges faced. The methods utilized to overcome these barriers should provide valuable insight on the practical application of VR, and understanding the interplay of sustainability communication and the features of VR has the potential to help create powerful tools for fighting climate change. Participants (n = 70) played through the interactive VR story experience of building a ship, choosing between sustainable and unsustainable options. The survey filled after the experience employed both traditional and tailored information gathering methods. Analysis of this wide range of survey questions revealed avenues for improvement such as tutorializing and limiting VR sickness, while also proving success in creating an interesting VR sustainability story with a user experience evaluated as good. Indicative success as a behavior change intervention was found, with participants reporting increase in key determinants of green purchase behavior. As sustainability behavior change applications have previously largely utilized long-term, non-VR applications, the results of this novel multidisciplinary study should prove meaningful.
Funding information in the publication:
The project was mainly funded by Business Finland.
