Impact of Immersive VR Environments Versus Video Conferences on Team Engagement and Idea Generation in Brainstorming Sessions : Framework and Pilot Experiment

This research investigates the impact of immersive virtual reality (VR) environments (such as Noda) versus traditional video conferences (such as Microsoft Teams) on team engagement and idea generation during brainstorming sessions. A framework for quasi-experiment was developed and piloted, involving teams participating in brainstorming sessions using both mediums. The study aims to evaluate which medium better simulates face-to-face interaction and enhances team engagement and idea generation. The pilot experiment indicated that VR environments increase verbal active communication and the size of the mind map, suggesting higher engagement and idea generation compared to traditional video conferences. However, the duration of the brainstorming sessions showed no significant difference between the two mediums. Interviews after the pilot experiment revealed that most participants preferred VR over video conferencing for brainstorming, citing higher creativity, enjoyment and immersion. Despite the promising results, the study acknowledges limitations such as potential topic bias and small sample size. Future research should involve larger samples to validate these findings and explore the broader applicability of VR in enhancing virtual collaboration. This research provides a foundational framework for researcher and organizations who are looking to test the effect of VR immersive technology to improve their remote teamwork experience.