Editorial: Metaverse in co-virtual city design

Abstract

The Metaverse is a concept that has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly in the field of technology and design. It is not just a mere Research Topic of virtual environments but a shared space where individuals can engage in various activities, such as socialising, gaming, and commerce. The rise of improved Virtualand Augmented Reality technologies has reopened research avenues in the broader digital co-design realm. One of the critical areas of research in this field is the design of co-virtual cities, where users can interact with each other in a virtual environment. We have been researching this area for quite some time. Hence this Research Topic of ‘Frontiers in Virtual Reality’ brings together colleagues who share the same research interests. We now present a carefully selected set of undertakings that delve into the various aspects of co-virtual city design and how this realm can be leveraged to create new and innovative experiences. Co-design refers to designing a product or service with the active participation of the users who will ultimately use it. Akin to our own research approaches, co-design has been widely adopted in urban planning, architecture, and product design. However, we realised that Research Topic of ‘co-design of virtual cities in the Metaverse’ is still in its infancy. The unique nature of the Metaverse presents several opportunities and challenges for the co-design of virtual cities. One of the benefits of co-designing virtual cities in theMetaverse is increased user engagement: by involving users in the design process, they become more invested in the outcome and more likely to participate in the virtual environment. The process can lead to a more vibrant and active community, as users feel a sense of ownership and belonging to “their” virtual city. The engagement of users gathers valuable insights into user preferences and requirements and designers can gain a deeper understanding of their needs, desires, and limitations. This information can then create virtual cities that better meet the users’ needs, leading to increased satisfaction and engagement. It also has the potential for increased creativity and innovation. By involving a diverse group of users in the design process, designers can tap into a wealth of ideas and perspectives they may not have considered otherwise. It can create unique and innovative virtual cities that offer users a new and exciting experience. However, co-designing virtual cities in theMetaverse also presents significant challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring the participation of a diverse group of users. It is essential to involve a broad range of users with different backgrounds, experiences, and OPEN ACCESS