Enhancing the XR+ Method: A Use Case in Rescue Helicopter Cabin Design

The cabin design for future rescue helicopters presents unique challenges due to the integration of the diverse needs of its users such as paramedics, patients and pilots. Within the CHASER project, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) aims to create a digital, user-centred cabin concept for future medical deployment vehicles. With the increasing demand for user-centric cabin solutions in the aviation industry, the need for innovative design methods which bring the requirements of the end-users into the conceptual design have become increasingly important. The XR+ method combines traditional co-design techniques with Extended Reality (XR) as a way of engaging and involving end-users early in the design process, creating a more flexible and iterative approach to cabin design. By providing both an interactive hands-on and immersive environment, XR+ enables users to engage in the design process in real time, facilitating them to put their needs to the forefront of the design. This paper represents an initial attempt to demonstrate how the XR+ method can contribute to the design of the cabin of a primary rescue helicopter. This study uses the CHASER project as a use case to apply and further progress the XR+ method. Two experienced Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) professionals participated in a three-phase workshop. This included a "sensitization" questionnaire, physical model creation using a three-dimensional toolkit, and immersive XR evaluation. Findings indicate that XR enhances spatial understanding and creative ideation, while the three-dimensional toolkit provided more ease of use. However, a learning curve and challenges in collaboration in some areas were observed while using XR. By directly involving users in the design process, the study serves to lay the first foundations for reducing the development effort required for complex air rescue cabin concepts, ultimately contributing to more efficient and accessible design solutions. Furthermore it has the potential to address other design challenges such as commercial aviation cabins. It provides a structured solution for involving users, reducing costs through low-level mockups and facilitating collaborative design.