Reality of Virtuality
Are emotions felt in VR real?
TL;DR
A virtual reality experience prompting introspection into the use and misuse of virtual worlds
Research
Ideation
UX Writing
VR Spacial Design & Development
How might we start a conversation about the effect of emotions felt in VR?
Is Virtual Reality Real?
We believe that our experiences become real because our emotions are real, thus, virtual reality is real. The overarching message of our manifesto is to ‘Own your actions in the virtual realm.’ The VR experience we’ve created highlights two sides of the ‘Reality of Virtuality’: The Haven (the bright side), which encourages self expression and exploration, and The Abyss (the dark side), which underscores crime in VR and its repercussions.
This experience metaphorically reinforces how our emotional responses and actions serve as the bridge between the tangible and digital realms using Meta Quest 2 (Unity).
3 Core Components
What we believe
Emotions felt in virtual reality are real --> virtual reality is real
Why we believe it
We never stop thinking or feeling. Our brains are never off.
We challenge
The perception that events or decisions that take place in virtual reality are of no consequence in the real world.
The Haven
The Haven fosters creativity and expression within its playful, playground-like setup. Users are encouraged to freely manipulate the space while soothing music envelops the background. A reflective mirror offers a space for self-reflection, symbolizing the acceptance and expression of one's true self within this environment.
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Own Your Actions in the Virtual Realm
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Embrace the digital canvas as your own, your unique voice has the power to resonate, inspire, and shape the narrative of the virtual world
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The virtual realm is a playground for self-expression
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Don’t be afraid to be yourself, it’s who you are innately
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Our consciousness never rests; in virtual reality, emotions are authentic
The Haven fosters creativity and expression within its playful, playground-like setup. Users are encouraged to freely manipulate the space while soothing music envelops the background. A reflective mirror offers a space for self-reflection, symbolizing the acceptance and expression of one's true self within this environment.
​
Own Your Actions in the Virtual Realm
-
Embrace the digital canvas as your own, your unique voice has the power to resonate, inspire, and shape the narrative of the virtual world
-
The virtual realm is a playground for self-expression
-
Don’t be afraid to be yourself, it’s who you are innately
-
Our consciousness never rests; in virtual reality, emotions are authentic
Unmute for sound!
The Abyss
The Abyss is a stark contrast to the tranquil haven, enveloping users in an atmosphere of foreboding and unease. Dark, chilling music heightens alertness as users encounter articles detailing virtual crimes, serving as a reminder of the repercussions that extend into the physical world. Within this ominous space, users confront the sobering reality that their virtual actions can have profound real-world consequences.
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Own Your Actions in the Virtual Realm
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Emotions are real in all realms
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Respect others
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Impact extends beyond digital borders; consequences echo into the physical world
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Zero tolerance transcends all realms
Unmute for sound!
Outcome
We presented this project at Interventions: Collide, a design conference at Northeastern University. It included live demo of the two VR environments using the Meta Quest headsets
Shreya Deepak Kumar
Amy Yang
"An effective use of interaction design and visual language to communicate deeper meanings."
- Conference attendee
...fin
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