Exploring the Applicability of Spatial Virtual Platforms Without VR Goggles: A Desktop-Based Case Study Using 3D CAD Models
Hideyuki Kanematsu, Dana M. Barry, Katsuko T. Nakahira, Nobuyuki Ogawa, Shin‐nosuke Suzuki, Kuniaki Yajima, Akiko Ogawa, Takeshi Kogo, Hidekazu Miura, Michiko Yoshitake, Takeshi Bessho, Ryoichi Ichino · Procedia Computer Science · 2025
In recent years, virtual platforms have emerged as powerful tools for immersive communication, education, and collaborative design. Among them, Spatial offers a widely accessible 3D environment that can be experienced not only through VR goggles but also on standard desktop systems. This paper explores the feasibility of using Spatial in a desktop 2D environment without VR goggles to visualize and evaluate 3D CAD models. We describe a practical workflow in which 3D models are uploaded into Spatial and viewed via a Mac desktop interface. Despite the limitations in immersion, we show that desktop interaction with Spatial still offers meaningful spatial understanding and interface operability, providing a low-barrier entry into virtual prototyping. We discuss implications for design education and outline future directions for integrating VR when available.