Resumen
This article highlights the development of collaborative virtual design environments (CVDE) a boon for users. There are shortcomings with 2-D generated and projected images because they do not provide a true immersion in a 3-D environment or a feeling of total presence in a real-world situation. To overcome these limitations, more realistic virtual reality (VR) and 3-D displays and environments have been developed. The VR application to product and system design activities, allowing the viewing and review of entire systems, assemblies, and parts. They provide far more realistic 3-D displays and even a rotational capability for viewing inside, on top of, beside, or under objects in reduced, normal, or large scale-in local or networked environments. If needed, tactile response systems provide a sense of grasping, rotating, picking up, and movement. Fortunately, these enabling technologies are available at a time when public and private sector organizations are continuously seeking ways to improve productivity and effectiveness in task accomplishment. Many organizations are using a variety of first and second generation CVDEs routinely as a foundation for collaborative virtual design and product development.