An Extended Reality Collaborative Design System

This paper presents a new system that enables an eXtended Reality (XR) collaborative design review process, by augmenting an existing physical mockup or environment with virtual models at 1:1 scale in-situ. By using this new hybrid approach, existing context can be extended with minimal or no base physical structure through a simulated VR/AR environment to facilitate stakeholder design collaboration in a manner that was previously either cost prohibitive or technically unfeasible. Through combining real and virtual in this way, the sense of realism can be enhanced, increasing engagement and participation in the design process. An approach to apply AR/VR to uncontrolled environments is described, allowing it to overcome challenges such as tracking and mapping, and allowing users to walk around freely in-situ. Two examples are presented where the system has been used in live project environments, one as a design tool for client review and engagement, and the other as part of a public planning process.