A4 Refereed article in a conference publication

Usability Testing of Virtual Reality for Visualizing Indoor Smoke Propagation and Extraction;




AuthorsHaapasaari, Jussi; Nyyssönen, Taneli; Bengs, Dennis; Nirhamo, Eero; Immonen, Tommi; Rajamäki, Joni; Manngård, Mikael; Lehtonen, Teijo

EditorsAhram, Tareq Z.; Karwowski, Waldemar; Caglar, Turgut Refik

Conference name International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics

Publication year2026

Journal: AHFE International

Book title Human-Computer Interaction & Emerging Technologies : Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics and the Affiliated Conferences, Istanbul, Turkey, 20-24 July 2026

Volume233

First page 341

Last page351

ISBN979-8-950676-09-3

eISSN2771-0718

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1007534

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1007534

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/527016753

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY NC ND

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

The paper presents the design and usability evaluation of an interactive virtual reality (VR) application for visualizing smoke propagation in large indoor spaces. The application visualizes smoke dynamics derived from computational fluid dynamics simulations and aims to provide a more intuitive and exploratory means of interpreting simulation results compared to traditional post-processing tools. The paper investigates whether immersive VR improves the perception of smoke behavior in complex environments and supports the verification and validation of smoke-extraction system designs. A usability study was conducted with participants of varying levels of experience in VR and smoke-extraction system design. User interaction data, task completion metrics, observations, and post-study questionnaires were collected to assess usability, learnability, and perceived usefulness. The results indicate that VR enables clearer perception of smoke movement, airflow direction, and temperature distribution, and supports exploratory interaction with simulation data. While novice VR users initially experienced difficulties with basic interactions, all participants were able to complete the tasks, and overall usability ratings were high. Domain experts highlighted the potential of VR as a complementary tool to physical smoke tests, particularly for early-stage design evaluation.



Keywords:
Fire safetyimmersiivinen virtuaalitodellisuussmokeUsability testingvirtuaalitodellisuus

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Funding information in the publication
This research was supported by Business Finland Virtual Sea Trial project under Grant 7316/31/2023.


Last updated on 11/08/2026 02:19:50 PM