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In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
MORE THAN A FEELING: EMPATHIC REFLECTION THROUGH VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES
Grech, Amy; Barth, Lisa L.; Rasch, Julian; Riecke, Bernhard E.; Brisco, Ross; Wodehouse, Andrew
Type:
Year:
2025
Editor:
Bohemia, Erik; Buck, Lyndon; Grierson, Hilary
Author:
Series:
E&PDE
Institution:
University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom; LMU Munich, Germany; Simon Fraser University, Canada
Page(s):
301 - 306
DOI number:
ISBN:
3005-4753
ISSN:
978-1-912254-22-4
Abstract:
Reflection enables individuals to derive meaning from experiences. It is deeply ingrained in an empathic interaction that fosters a nuanced understanding of varied perspectives. While empathy is recognised as a transformative tool in design education, a limited number of studies explore students' empathy development. By leveraging Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities, including perspective-taking and emotion elicitation, combined with the innate human capacity for reflection, this research investigates a structured approach through a qualitative study to enhance design students’ empathy and integrate it into design education. Driven by the need for human-centred design (HCD) practices to foster more-than-human perspectives, participants were invited to step into the world of a tree using VR, followed by a self-reflective writing activity in which they recalled their thoughts and emotions during the virtual experience. This research introduces a novel method for eliciting augmented empathic experiences by heightening design students’ awareness of a unique perspective and deepening their insight into their personal experience. The method facilitates long-term evaluation of empathy responses, providing opportunities for sustained empathy development. By broadening students' understanding of diverse perspectives, this study lays the foundation for a new generation of human-centred design solutions that embed inclusive, social, and ecological values within design education.
Keywords:
