The effects of using VR to promote student motivation in architectural design studio course

As VR technologies become increasingly integrated into higher education, scholars are widely investigating their benefits across various academic fields. In architectural design education, motivation is crucial for fostering creativity, especially in design studio courses that emphasize student-initiated project learning. This study explores the impact of VR on student motivation in a second-year interior design studio course, utilizing the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and semi-structured interviews. Participants used VR throughout a 10-week individual studio design project. The results indicate that VR positively influences student motivation by enhancing a sense of being there, facilitating the design process, and providing unique interactive learning opportunities, including peer reviews. Additionally, prior VR experience positively affects students' self-efficacy, and with adequate technical support, novice users face no significant learning barriers. This study highlights the positive impact of VR on student motivation in the interior design studio course, potentially enhancing creativity. Suggestions for creative environments contributing to creativity's progress include equipping designated VR stations in a studio environment to provide equitable access and promote active engagement during the design process.