In this study, based on the analysis of the dynamic nature of collaborative design process, a new framework of collaborative design for modelling an immersive VR automotive driving learning (imseADL) platform is described. This framework adopts an agent-based approach and relocates designers, system and the supporting agents in a unified knowledge representation scheme for imseADL design. This study presents the research issues and industrial requirements for such a system. Furthermore, a prototype system of the proposed framework is implemented and its feasibility is evaluated using a real design scenario whose objective is designing an imseADL. In this system, each virtual element or assembly is designed as an independent unit. The unit agent method is used as the basic system modules. To manage these unit agents, a web-based interface manager is provided. The scene explorer is a virtual element design space based on unit agents and the interface manager. To manage the collaborative session, a web-based design phase manager is proposed. In this situation, designers do not possess all the knowledge they need but instead rely on other organisations. In addition, this proposed system is an effective and valuable architecture for collaboration design in today's product development environment.
