고령자의 치유를 위한 가상공간의 접근 방향성 연구 - 환경의 지각과 인지 과정 중심으로-

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) Currently, most virtual reality spaces center on the implementation of storytelling focused on visual design. However, it is necessary to approach spaces based on the knowledge needed in space design, since there will be more designs of virtual spaces that will be like reality. In particular, for older people with declined physical and mental functions compared to ordinary people, they can gain direct experiences through virtual spaces; hence, such spaces have high positive effects. This study seeks to promote expertise about the field of virtual space approached from a spatial design perspective and contribute to the development of virtual spaces for the physical and mental treatment of older people. The research examines the direction of virtual spaces for the treatment of older people. (Method) The research content is as follows. First, theories about treatment environment and virtual space are considered, to examine the characteristics and search for relationships suitable to the characteristics of older people. Second, the cognitive process of the virtual space is examined with the concept of environment perception and how this affects the users is analyzed. Third, a direction for such virtual space will be suggested based on the assumption that the virtual space is effective for the treatment of older people. The theoretical scope of this study was explored based on environmental psychology, cognitive psychology, environmental plans, and imaging, and data collected from 2012 to 2022 was used for the case study and reference. For the research method, literature review and case analysis were performed for a qualitative approach exploring the relationships, and research findings were derived. (Results) The direction of virtual spaces for the treatment of older people should be designed with the following phases: Stage 1: consider characteristics of older people as a priority. Stage 2: analyze the elements of the environmental perception (multisensory) of older people. Stage 3: collect information, knowledge, images about the experiences of older people. Stage 4: perform with the direction of planning content for the virtual spaces of older people. (Conclusions) For the research findings, The aforementioned virtual space must be designed for treatment, and sensory perception stimulated from past experiences must be considered. Second, users recall memories from their past experiences in the virtual space and are stimulated with senses and, in this case, similar values can be derived in the groups of similar experiences and environments.