We present an early study designed to analyze how city planning and the health of senior citizens can benefit from the use of augmented reality (AR) with assistance of virtual reality (VR), using Microsoft’s HoloLens and HTC’s Vive headsets. We also explore whether AR and VR can be used to help city planners receive real-time feedback from citizens, such as the elderly, on virtual plans, allowing for informed decisions to be made before any construction begins. In doing so, city planners can more clearly understand what design features would motivate senior citizens to visit or exercise in future parks, for example. The study was conducted on 10 participants 60 years and older who live within 2 miles from the site. They were presented with multiple virtual options for a prospective park, such as different walls for cancelling highway noise, as well as benches, lampposts, bathroom pods, walking and biking lanes, and other street furniture. The headsets allowed the participants to clearly visualize the options and make choices on them. Throughout the study the participants were enthusiastic about using the AR and VR devices, which is noteworthy for a future where city planning is done with these technologies.
