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MDD x IRC:
Virtual Reality as a Resource for Cultural Orientation.
PHYSICAL + DIGITAL PRODUCT — Mozari: Research Studio with Client Voice – 2021
The Multi-Disciplinary Design program at the University of Utah collaborated with the International Rescue Committee’s SLC branch to produce updated cultural orientation resources for clients. The education modules we translated into virtual reality videos revolved around Basic Needs with Transactions, Outdoor Access, and Public Safety. The physical product component of this collaboration consisted of a virtual reality viewing device.
PERSONAL KEY ROLES IN THE PROJECT:
- “Transaction methods” graphics and animation
- Sound effects and music composition for virtual reality modules
- Lead physical product designer
- Physical product animations and diagrams
- Headset assembly manual
BASIC NEEDS WITH TRANSACTIONS
As 1 of 5 members committed to designing virtual reality modules for transactions centered around basic needs, we began by identifying contexts that provide valuable resources to IRC clients– laundromats, libraries, and grocery stores. Prior to filming virtual reality content, we developed graphics that would help clients successfully complete a transaction in these environments.
VIRTUAL REALITY CONTENT
Our virtual reality content was designed with a gamified feel, making the module content goal-oriented, and holding the user’s attention. The playful graphics give visual feedback when the video protagonist has completed a task, emphasizing the actions to the user and providing visibility around the context of the situation. The use of sound effects alerts the user of a significant action being performed, and accentuates sounds that would be present in the real-life context. The backing music was composed to be reminiscent of a nostalgic children’s video game, providing levity to a potentially daunting task for IRC clients.
Please open the videos in YouTube in order to experience the full gyroscopic view
VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET
As the lead physical product designer for the project, I oversaw efforts in the iterative prototyping process, including extensive 3D modeling, material experimentation, and fabrication. Our team set parameters for the headset that we felt would provide a universally beneficial experience with virtual reality learning for the majority of the IRC clients, namely: partial immersion that allows peripheral vision, compatibility with eyeglasses and other eyewear, and compatibility with various phone types. After concluding that 3D printing would yield the best results with the least processes, we began designing a form that would meet our parameters and successfully print.
FINAL FORM
The modularity of the headset creates a sense of ownership between the user and object by allowing them to assemble the device, fostering a sense of responsibility and increasing the longevity of the device.
ASSEMBLY
I designed a graphic manual, without written language (as languages used by IRC clients vary), to assist the users with headset assembly. The manual was made into a mini zine and placed in the packaging with the headset.
I designed a graphic manual, without written language (as languages used by IRC clients vary), to assist the users with headset assembly. The manual was made into a mini zine and placed in the packaging with the headset.
FURTHER MATERIAL EXPLORATION
After finalizing the form of the headset, our team worked with professionals to create a 3D printer filament out of recycled plastics, while using spices from common refugee countries of origin as color additives, addressing matters of material sustainability and cultural integration. We were able to create a shimmery gold filament by using turmeric as an additive, and printed our form. However, inconsistencies in the filament, due to bubbling from the turmeric, complicated the printing process, and we were unable to successfully complete a headset with the material within the time constraints of the project.
MDD x IRC:
Virtual Reality as a Resource for Cultural Orientation.
PHYSICAL + DIGITAL PRODUCT — Mozari: Research Studio with Client Voice – 2021
The Multi-Disciplinary Design program at the University of Utah collaborated with the International Rescue Committee’s SLC branch to produce updated cultural orientation resources for clients. The education modules we translated into virtual reality videos revolved around Basic Needs with Transactions, Outdoor Access, and Public Safety. The physical product component of this collaboration consisted of a virtual reality viewing device.
PERSONAL KEY ROLES IN PROJECT
- “Transaction methods” graphics and animation
- Sound effects and music composition for virtual reality modules
- Lead physical product designer
- Physical product animations and diagrams
- Headset assembly manual
BASIC NEEDS WITH TRANSACTIONS
As 1 of 5 members committed to designing virtual reality modules for transactions centered around basic needs, we began by identifying contexts that provide valuable resources to IRC clients– laundromats, libraries, and grocery stores. Prior to filming virtual reality content, we developed graphics that would help clients successfully complete a transaction in these environments.
VIRTUAL REALITY CONTENT
Our virtual reality content was designed with a gamified feel, making the module content goal-oriented, and holding the user’s attention. The playful graphics give visual feedback when the video protagonist has completed a task, emphasizing the actions to the user and providing visibility around the context of the situation. The use of sound effects alerts the user of a significant action being performed, and accentuates sounds that would be present in the real-life context.
Please open the videos in YouTube in order to experience the full gyroscopic view
LIBRARY
LAUNDROMAT
GROCERY STORE
VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET
Our team set parameters for the headset that we felt would provide a universally beneficial experience with virtual reality learning for the majority of the IRC clients, namely: partial immersion that allows peripheral vision, compatibility with eyeglasses and other eyewear, and compatibility with various phone types. After concluding that 3D printing would yield the best results with the least processes, we began designing and prototyping a form that would meet our parameters and successfully print.
HEADSET FACEPLATE ITERATIONS
HEADSET PHONE HOLDERS ITERATIONS
FINAL FORM
The modularity of the headset creates a sense of ownership between the user and object by allowing them to assemble the device, fostering a sense of responsibility and increasing the longevity of the device.
HEADSET INVENTORYASSEMBLY
I designed a graphic manual, without written language (as languages used by IRC clients vary), to assist the users with headset assembly. The manual was made into a mini zine and placed in the packaging with the headset.
ZINE, UNFOLDED
GRAPHIC MANUAL STEPS
FURTHER MATERIAL EXPLORATION
After finalizing the form of the headset, our team worked with professionals to create a 3D printer filament out of recycled plastics, while using spices from common refugee countries of origin as color additives, addressing matters of material sustainability and cultural integration. We were able to create a shimmery gold filament by using turmeric as an additive, and printed our form. However, inconsistencies in the filament, due to bubbling from the turmeric, complicated the printing process, and we were unable to successfully complete a headset with the material within the time constraints of the project.