Virtual environments for access design: Bringing together multidisciplinary teaching and learning for real world outcomes

Abstract

Developing digital design skills appropriate for analysing issues of design accessibility is critical to better housing, interior and landscape architecture, industrial design and urban planning. An innovative course was designed and developed as part of a research project to investigate the use of an open access home modelling application known as MyVirtualHome. As well as learning technical skills, students’ learning addressed attitudinal barriers. The authors reflect on the future potential of other inclusive design collaborations that enhance both teaching and learning outcomes across design disciplines as well as provide real-world outcomes and scholarship in both learning and enabling environments.