Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

An extended reality-based framework for user risk training in urban built environment

Sotirios Konstantakos, Sotirios Asparagkathos, Moatasim Mahmoud, Stamatia Rizou, Enrico Quagliarini, Gabriele Bernardini

TL;DR

The paper addresses rising urban flood risks by proposing an XR-based, user-centered framework for risk awareness and training across citizens, local authorities, and emergency responders. It implements a three-phase approach—defining general user flows, capturing user stories and requirements from pilots, and integrating these into an actionable workflow—and substantiates it with a Senigallia, Italy pilot. Leveraging XR, VR/AR, and serious gaming, the framework enables immersive, customizable, multi-user training scenarios while maintaining accessibility through non-immersive and in-situ options. The findings indicate XR can boost engagement, knowledge retention, and preparedness, with iterative evaluation metrics guiding ongoing improvement and broader replication in urban contexts.

Abstract

In the context of increasing urban risks, particularly from climate change-induced flooding, this paper presents an extended Reality (XR)-based framework to improve user risk training within urban built environments. The framework is designed to improve risk awareness and preparedness among various stakeholders, including citizens, local authorities, and emergency responders. Using immersive XR technologies, the training experience simulates real-world emergency scenarios, contributing to active participation and a deeper understanding of potential hazards and especially for floods. The framework highlights the importance of stakeholder participation in its development, ensuring that training modules are customized to address the specific needs of different user groups. The iterative approach of the framework supports ongoing refinement through user feedback and performance data, thus improving the overall effectiveness of risk training initiatives. This work outlines the methodological phases involved in the framework's implementation, including i) user flow mapping, ii) scenario selection, and iii) performance evaluation, with a focus on the pilot application in Senigallia, Italy. The findings underscore the potential of XR technologies to transform urban risk training, promoting a culture of preparedness and resilience against urban hazards.

An extended reality-based framework for user risk training in urban built environment

TL;DR

The paper addresses rising urban flood risks by proposing an XR-based, user-centered framework for risk awareness and training across citizens, local authorities, and emergency responders. It implements a three-phase approach—defining general user flows, capturing user stories and requirements from pilots, and integrating these into an actionable workflow—and substantiates it with a Senigallia, Italy pilot. Leveraging XR, VR/AR, and serious gaming, the framework enables immersive, customizable, multi-user training scenarios while maintaining accessibility through non-immersive and in-situ options. The findings indicate XR can boost engagement, knowledge retention, and preparedness, with iterative evaluation metrics guiding ongoing improvement and broader replication in urban contexts.

Abstract

In the context of increasing urban risks, particularly from climate change-induced flooding, this paper presents an extended Reality (XR)-based framework to improve user risk training within urban built environments. The framework is designed to improve risk awareness and preparedness among various stakeholders, including citizens, local authorities, and emergency responders. Using immersive XR technologies, the training experience simulates real-world emergency scenarios, contributing to active participation and a deeper understanding of potential hazards and especially for floods. The framework highlights the importance of stakeholder participation in its development, ensuring that training modules are customized to address the specific needs of different user groups. The iterative approach of the framework supports ongoing refinement through user feedback and performance data, thus improving the overall effectiveness of risk training initiatives. This work outlines the methodological phases involved in the framework's implementation, including i) user flow mapping, ii) scenario selection, and iii) performance evaluation, with a focus on the pilot application in Senigallia, Italy. The findings underscore the potential of XR technologies to transform urban risk training, promoting a culture of preparedness and resilience against urban hazards.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 8 sections, 3 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. PHASES AND METHODS
  3. Phases
  4. User flow definition methods
  5. User stories and requirements methods for final framework definition
  6. Pilot description
  7. RESULTS: FRAMEWORK DEFINITION IN VIEW OF PILOTS USER STORIES AND REQUIREMENTS
  8. DISCUSSION AND FINAL REMARKS

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: Schematic approach of user flow exercise
  • Figure 2: Senigallia overview as the main CLIMRES pilot for the XR-based framework application: A-plan view of the city centre, marking the historical city center (in red), the Misa River (blue line) and the main application area and pilot building (yellow marker); B- aerial view of the main application area and the pilot building (in yellow). (Base map from Image ©2024 Google, Image ©2023 Airbus, Maxar Technologies, Dati cartografici ©2024).
  • Figure 3: User Flow Diagram, stressing users (in yellow), starting (in red), intermediate (in white) and end (in red) points of the flow.