Doing textiles experiments in game-based virtual reality: A design of the Stereoscopic Chemical Laboratory (SCL) for textiles education

Author(s):

Kung Wong Lau, (Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong)

Chi Wai Kan, (Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong)

Pui Yuen Lee, (School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong)

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Single Sentence Summary:

This paper proposes a designed virtual platform, called Stereoscopic Chemical Laboratory (SCL) in textile and fashion studies which shows that students are learning relevant experiment tools, experimental processes, procedures, and safety and health precautions, with the use of SCL.

Abstract:

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of stereoscopic virtual technology in textile and fashion studies in particular to the area of chemical experiment. The development of a designed virtual platform, called Stereoscopic Chemical Laboratory (SCL), is introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

To implement the suggested educational approaches of SCL, a set of teaching and learning materials with emphasis on the application methods was revised from the existing subjects. The architecture of SCL includes building of virtual objects with the Autodesk software Maya and designing of interactivity by using Unity, a game engine system. Prototype version of the SCL has been passed to selected academic colleagues and students for further evaluation and application feedback.

Findings

Textile students can conduct laboratory experiments associated with coloration and finishing of textile technologies in a stereoscopic 3D and multisensory laboratory, and hence enhance their learning experience. With the use of SCL, students can learn relevant experiment tools, experimental processes, procedures, and safety and health precautions.

Originality/value

There is very limited educational or training approach in applying stereoscopic virtual reality in teaching activities. In the area of textile experiment, the authors could say it is virtual and does not exist in current research domains.

Keywords:

Virtual reality, Game-based learning, Learning experiences, Stereoscopic 3D technology, Textile experiment

Type:

Technical paper

Publisher:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Received:

09 August 2016

Revised:

17 March 2017

Accepted:

28 March 2017

Copyright:

© Emerald Publishing Limited 2017
Published by Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only

Citation:

Kung Wong Lau, Chi Wai Kan, Pui Yuen Lee, (2017) "Doing textiles experiments in game-based virtual reality: A design of the Stereoscopic Chemical Laboratory (SCL) for textiles education", The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 34 Issue: 3, pp.242-258, https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-05-2016-0016

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