Viorama

User Experience

Viorama

Abstract

“Viorama” is a mixed reality multiplayer application designed to create an immersive “Escape Room” experience that seamlessly blends physical and digital objects. The application requires collaboration between players, with one immersed in a virtual environment and the other controlling specific cues of the virtual room through a custom physical controller. The installation was developed using Unity game development software in conjunction with physical computing components.

Problem Statement

Traditional “Escape Rooms” can present accessibility barriers for individuals with physical limitations or those who may struggle with spatial reasoning. “Escape the Real” aims to overcome these barriers by leveraging mixed reality to create a more inclusive and collaborative puzzle-solving experience. The appoach also explores the potential of blending physical and digital worlds to enhance engagement and immersion.

Approach

The project utilized Unity game development software to create a virtual “Escape Room” environment populated with interactive objects and puzzles. A custom-built, room-shaped controller was designed using physical computing components to allow one player to manipulate the virtual environment in real-time. This controller enables the outer player to send communication cues to objects, trigger events and helps to solve puzzles with the inner player in the VR space. The player with the VR goggles moves in an accurately for VR remodeled room. The design prioritized innovative user interfaces and clear visual cues to facilitate collaboration, safety and minimize frustration.

Solution

The “Viorama” application features a variety of puzzles that require players to collect objects, decipher clues, and solve logical challenges. The virtual room is designed to be engaging, with interactive elements that respond to player actions. The room-shaped controller provides a tactile way to manipulate the virtual environment, enhancing the sense of presence and immersion. The application incorporates audio cues and haptic feedback to further enhance the user experience.

Impact

The installation has demonstrated the potential of mixed reality to create more accessible and engaging collaborative experiences. The use of the custom physical controller is a novel way to interact with the virtual environment, expanding the limitations of traditional VR interfaces to the outer physical world. The project explored the potential of blending physical and digital worlds to enhance puzzle-solving and storytelling.

Learnings

Collaborative Design

The success of the application relies on effective collaboration between players, requiring clear communication and shared understanding of the game mechanics.

Intuitive Interfaces

Designing intuitive user interfaces is crucial for minimizing frustration and maximizing user engagement, particularly in mixed reality environments.

Physical-Digital Integration

Seamlessly integrating physical and digital elements can enhance immersion and create more engaging experiences.

Accessibility Considerations

Mixed reality offers opportunities to create more accessible experiences for individuals with a range of physical abilities.

Future Directions

Adaptive Difficulty

Implementing adaptive difficulty settings to cater to different skill levels.

Multiplayer Support

Expanding the application to support multiple players in the same virtual space.

Storytelling Integration

Incorporating a more compelling narrative to enhance the overall experience.

Expanded Puzzle Variety

Developing a wider range of puzzles to maintain player engagement.