Understanding the challenges and future trends of immersive technology use in indoor pedestrian and evacuation dynamics: A systematic review

This systematic review examines immersive technologies (ImT), virtual (VR), augmented (AR) and mixed reality (MR), in indoor pedestrian evacuation dynamics (PED) published between 2014 and 2024. Using the PRISMA protocol, 51 studies were screened and coded across four lenses: improvement focus (human behaviour, safety training, path optimisation, algorithm enhancement), technology applied, target users and behavioural factors (pre-evacuation actions, pedestrian interaction, navigation choice). PED refers to the micro-level movement and behavioural mechanisms (e.g., pre-movement, route choice, speed and flow) that shape indoor egress performance. VR dominates current applications, but interest in AR/MR is rising. Participants range from designers and facility managers to the public and emergency staff. Recurring barriers include motion sickness, incomplete multisensory integration, limited visual realism, high hardware cost, sub-optimal algorithms and data-privacy concerns. To integrate dispersed evidence, we propose a conceptual model linking ImT parameters, occupant responses and evacuation performance, thereby flagging potential congestion points and recommending optimal routes. The review suggests that future research should advance display and tracking hardware, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, refine behaviour-driven algorithms, enhance haptic and auditory feedback, reduce costs and design user-centred training curricula. Addressing these priorities will unlock the full safety value of ImT, delivering more reliable evacuation preparedness and faster, better-informed emergency responses.