21 November 2016

Imagine being able to have your concept tested by potential users before even creating a prototype: this is exactly the purpose of Université de Sherbrooke’s Imaginactive participatory R&D virtual laboratory.

The technology is the product of a partnership between the firm Imaginactive, the Holodeck Factory, and the Faculty of Engineering at Université de Sherbrooke.

Using 3D glasses, participants enter a virtual world in which they are able to see and test concepts that are still in development. The design, engineering, and marketing teams are thus able to collect feedback from participants to further improve their future product and optimize the development process.

“By getting feedback from consumers before even creating the first prototype, we are able to shorten a product’s development cycle, and cut related costs and risks,” stressed doctoral student and founder of Imaginactive Charles Bombardier, who is in charge of the laboratory.

With Holodeck Imaginactive, manufacturing companies, laboratories, architectural firms, museums, and conference rooms are given the opportunity to display any type of 3D content, and to collaborate remotely.

The Université de Sherbrooke also plans to implement the technology at the Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation, as well as in its new design studio in the Innovation-ACELP park.

Source: Université de Sherbrooke