Design and Usability Evaluation of a Mobile Virtual Reality Tourism Application in the Philippines

Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a tool for enhancing travel experiences and providing innovative platforms for cultural tourism promotion. This study presents the design, development, and evaluation of a mobile-based VR application that enables users to virtually explore selected heritage and recreational sites in Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines. Using open-source tools such as Blender for 3D modeling, Unity for system integration, and Google VR SDK for deployment, the project applied an Agile, iterative approach to ensure user-centered design and accessibility. The application offers dual modes of interaction, supporting both VR headsets and standard mobile navigation, and integrates features such as first-person exploration, voice narration, ambient audio, and interactive menus. Usability testing with thirty participants evaluated the system across five key dimensions: Text, Graphics, Audio, Animation, and Interactivity. Results revealed user satisfaction in Interactivity (mean = 4.63) and Audio (mean = 4.57) emphasizing the importance of intuitive controls, immersive soundscapes, and cultural storytelling in sustaining user engagement. Findings demonstrate that mobile-based VR can deliver meaningful cultural and educational experiences through cost-effective and accessible technology, even in resource-constrained settings. Beyond promoting local destinations, the study highlights VR’s potential as a platform for digital heritage preservation and experiential learning contributing to sustainable tourism initiatives and aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).