Enhancing product development through IPD : innovating with XR collaboration tools

Abstract

This research explores the potential of Extended Reality (XR) technologies to enhance collaboration in Integrated Product Development (IPD). As product development (PD) becomes more complex and globally distributed, traditional collaboration methods such as physical meetings and digital collaboration like video conferencing face increasing limitations. These include scheduling difficulties, reduced engagement, and lack of physical interaction with prototypes. XR technologies offer immersive, spatially aware environments that may bridge these gaps. The study began with a comprehensive literature review that assessed collaboration through the lens of two theoretical frameworks, Seven-Factor Model and the FiveDimension Model of Collaboration. These models were used to evaluate traditional, digital, and XR-based methods in terms of communication, process efficiency, trust, and shared understanding. To validate these insights, a survey was conducted targeting industry professionals, gathering data on current collaboration practices, team dynamics, and perceptions of XR technologies. Findings revealed broad awareness but limited adoption of XR, largely due to concerns over cost, complexity, and integration with existing workflows. Based on these results, a Product Design Specification (PDS) was developed to guide the creation of a prototype XR collaboration tool. The tool, built using Unity, was evaluated in a controlled study comparing it with traditional and digital collaboration methods. While XR showed clear potential, the results also revealed practical challenges. These findings suggest that although XR offers new capabilities for design engagement and spatial understanding, its effectiveness is highly dependent on factors such as user training, interface design, and technical stability. Moreover, successful adoption requires more than technical readiness, it must also consider organisational culture, collaboration workflows, and the learning curve associated with immersive technologies. This research demonstrates that XR can serve as a valuable complement to existing collaboration tools in PD. When implemented strategically, XR technologies have the potential to reduce inefficiencies, support distributed teams, and foster deeper collaborative engagement across the IPD lifecycle. More broadly, this study highlights how emerging immersive technologies can reshape collaborative workflows, paving the way for more integrated, responsive, and innovative PD processes.