Framework for developing alternative reality environments to engineer large, complex systems

We present a framework for alternative reality (XR) technologies to enable an understanding of what constitutes an XR environment when used in the context of design and engineering of large, complex systems. The framework provides guidelines for implementing the corresponding desired human sensory experience. This work is founded on the existing literature which defines theoretical Spectra, such as Fidelity, to systematically characterize an XR environment taxonomy. We identify landmarks for four XR categories within these Spectra and provide definitions that can used to establish a common vernacular. We further map these to specific human sensing modalities that are influenced by XR, such as tactility and vision, and define the technical requirements needed to augment the human experience in the desired XR environment. Finally, we connect the theoretical elements to the technical requirements to create an integrated XR framework. The utility of this framework is demonstrated in a case study addressing the use of XR technologies for five stakeholder groups involved in the evaluation of spacecraft habitat design and operations. This demonstrates the utility of the proposed XR taxonomy in a spacecraft habitat design process, which could be extended to other similar applications.