Tanzeela Jahangir, a graphic design student with a concentration in UX design, shared insights into a VR project developed in collaboration with the New York Institute of Technology. This project, leveraging human-centered design principles, was aimed at creating a virtual reality experience focused on interior and architectural design.
Embarking on the VR Journey 🚀
Tanzeela’s project began with an exploration of VR tools, where she and her team chose Shapes XR over SketchUp for its user-friendliness. This initial step was crucial in setting the direction for their project, demonstrating the importance of tool selection in the design process.
Designing with Human-Centered Principles 🏡
The project’s core involved designing a virtual home, incorporating elements of architecture and interior design. Tanzeela, driven by her UX design background, emphasized the significance of human-centered design in this context. The project wasn’t just about constructing a building in VR; it was about creating a space that people could relate to and envision themselves within.
Navigating Challenges and Innovations 🧩
One of the project’s challenges was the limitations of Shapes XR, particularly regarding asset downloading and memory. Despite these hurdles, Tanzeela and her team introduced interactive elements to enhance the virtual experience, such as opening doors and watering plants. This innovative approach underscored the project’s focus on user engagement and realism.
Reflecting on Learning and Future Directions 🌈
Tanzeela’s project highlights the application of UX principles beyond traditional interfaces, expanding into virtual reality and architecture. This experience not only enriched her understanding of human-centered design but also sparked an interest in applying VR to architectural visualization.
As she looks forward, Tanzeela aims to delve deeper into VR’s potential for architectural design, aspiring to overcome technical limitations and create more complex and immersive experiences. Her journey exemplifies the expansive possibilities of VR and UX design in shaping the future of how we interact with and conceive our physical and virtual spaces.
