Wabi Sabi in Virtual Reality sketching: toward a digital creator’s posture change

Abstract In creativity using digital tools, traditional design guidelines promote abundant, inexpensive, disposable ways to create which are not compatible with sustainability concerns. We explore alternatives to this paradigm by comparing the main Virtual Reality sketch method with a new paradigm inspired by traditional Japanese concept named Wabi-Sabi. We observe that removing the possibility to erase and limiting the quantity of virtual paint are changing participants’ creative posture and process and bring them satisfaction. Crossing the Wabi-Sabi paradigm with digital technologies is a concrete opportunity to “go forward” incorporating sustainable values in practice and tools for digital artists and creators.