Developing a Theory-Integrated VR Information Platform for Age-Friendly Housing Environments

This study develops a theory-integrated Virtual Reality (VR) information platform for designing age-friendly residential units, addressing the intersection of population aging and digital transformation. Unlike studies emphasizing post-implementation outcomes, it focuses on the input-stage logic of design by embedding human cognition, emotion, and behavior into spatial reasoning. Grounded in environmental behavior theory, the research constructs a housing model that reflects older adults’ perceptual and behavioral responses to spatial configurations such as layouts, circulation, lighting, and visual coordination. Space is redefined as an experiential medium that evokes emotional resonance, fosters empathy, and bridges theoretical reasoning with practical design outcomes. The proposed VR platform integrates aging, behavioral, and design sciences into an intelligent guide functioning as both an educational and evaluative system, enabling interactive and scenario-based exploration of spatial experiences. Following design-based and developmental research principles, this study represents a preliminary phase within an ongoing framework, establishing a robust conceptual foundation for future empirical validation. It highlights that the robustness of the developmental process is as crucial as learning outcomes, reinforcing the importance of theoretical integration in sustainable, human-centered housing design for super-aged societies.