A4 Refereed article in a conference publication
Usability Testing of Virtual Reality for Visualizing Indoor Smoke Propagation and Extraction; 
Authors: Haapasaari, Jussi; Nyyssönen, Taneli; Bengs, Dennis; Nirhamo, Eero; Immonen, Tommi; Rajamäki, Joni; Manngård, Mikael; Lehtonen, Teijo
Editors: Ahram, Tareq Z.; Karwowski, Waldemar; Caglar, Turgut Refik
Conference name: International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics
Publication year: 2026
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
Volume: 233
First page : 341
Last page: 351
ISBN: 979-8-950676-09-3
eISSN: 2771-0718
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1007534
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/10.54941/ahfe1007534
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/527016753
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY NC ND
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
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 safety, immersiivinen virtuaalitodellisuus, smoke, Usability testing, virtuaalitodellisuus
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
Funding information in the publication:
This research was supported by Business Finland Virtual Sea Trial project under Grant 7316/31/2023.