A series of spatial experiments.
Created with Unity and other software.
Date
2022-2024
Duration
A few days to a week each
Type
Design, development
Achievement
Just for fun!
Reaching for Wishes
Prototyping strain as a storytelling mechanic
Research in embodied cognition suggests that physical actions tied to effort intensify emotional engagement. Reaching for Wishes explores how physical effort can become a storytelling tool in VR. The player must stretch their bodies upward or outward to grab hanging wish tags and read what they say on the trees. Drawing from the concept of Tanabata wishing trees, this prototype transforms the act of reaching for into a metaphor for striving and hope.
What I Learned
Physical strain added a surprising emotional depth to the interaction, making the idea of "striving" feel tangible.
Users were more engaged when wishes revealed a larger narrative; interactivity is effective when it rewards exploration with emotional/intellectual discoveries.
Some users struggled with the narrow paths and precise interactions. Future iterations need to balance accessibility concerns with the intended physical challenge.
Worlds Within Worlds
Exploring Magical Realism in VR
Worlds Within Worlds combines realistic planetary motion with fantastical interactions, inviting users to reflect and play in a surreal cosmos. The project aimed to evoke wonder by blending realism and magic. I recreated natural phenomena like stars and planetary motion, grounding the environment in realism. Planets visually transformed on hover or grab, encouraging playful exploration. A throwing mechanic allowed users to connect emotionally with planets as they hovered into orbit, combining tactile play with cosmic wonder.
A Virtual Table
Redesigning Rituals
The Virtual Table shows the act of preparing ice cream as a single-player VR experience. Using hand-tracking and dynamic ambiance, I wanted the project to evoke creativity in a virtual space through encouraging tactile engagement.
