Abstract

The aim of this research is to design and develop the virtual reality system for practice on structural design and top load testing of plastic bottle (VRPDT) based on constructivist approach and to solve the excessive raw material problem or impractical design in production. The research outcome can be utilized in package design learning or training course without high cost in real instruments and material usage for prototype testing. The optimal structural design will enhance the plastic bottle strength during transportation or usage and minimize the environmental impact as well. 40 fourth-year undergraduate students of Product and Package Design Major, Faculty of Architecture, Naresuan University is a purposive sampling group and divided into two groups of 20 students each under the same problems for comparison as follows: 1) the control group with traditional learning approach and 2) the experimental group with using VRPDT system and constructivist learning approach. The teaching methods are video and presentation in normal lecture for control group while the experimental group is a brainstorm under a design problem for knowledge sharing and conclusion. The best solution was obtained after discussion via the Learning Management System (LMS) and applied for the 3D bottle design using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. The test of top load in designed bottle used VR tester linked with the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for the realistic results. The digital mouse or touch pen was used for control the test program following the step-by-step demonstration. In addition, for adjustment, it also can input the plastic bottle thickness and select the proper type of materials. There showed 11.16% of the average error which was slightly different between the real test and the VR test result at this first phase research; however the participated students had much attention and enthusiasm at the new learning approach.