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VR Application
A VR app that takes you on a journey into universe and allows you to learn related knowledge
Role
Design Concept
Coding (Visual Studio)
Modeling (Unity)
Team
Zhe Wang
Yangjia Cai
Jianming Qu
UI Design
Tools
Unity
Year
2023, S2
Figma
Visual Studio
Miro
About the project
Our VR application is dedicated to providing an immersive
astronomical learning environment, allowing users to delve into the mysteries of the universe and interact with various celestial bodies. The app offers a rich 3D virtual space where users can freely explore, observe different celestial objects, and learn about their characteristics and history.
Problem Space
The exploration of celestial bodies and phenomena, known as astronomy, has consistently sparked curiosity among scholars and learners. Yet, while the subject is fascinating, traditional educational approaches often grapple with conveying its intricate concepts effectively. Standard classroom teachings and textbooks, though filled with information, might not always succeed in captivating students or simplifying the multifaceted ideas of astronomy.
Solution
VR AS A
Virtual Reality has the potential to make abstract astronomical concepts more tangible. By immersing students in a 3D
environment where they can explore celestial bodies and witness astronomical events, VR can provide a more intuitive understanding of complex topics.
Intuitiveness
VR platforms offer interactive experiences that can significantly enhance learning. Students can engage in activities like 'traveling' through the solar system, observing celestial events, or even conducting virtual experiments, all of which contribute to a more active and engaging learning environment.
Interactivity
With VR, the barriers of geographical location and time are removed. Students from different parts of the world can access the same highquality educational content, participate in interactive lessons, and even collaborate in real-time, making astronomy education more inclusive and accessible.
Accessibility
Target User
The most important user groups are students, including school-age children (10 + years old), teenagers, university students, and learners interested in knowledge of the universe. As well as people who have a basic understanding of VR technology and are willing to try new things.
Questionnaire Analysis
1. Think back to a science class you've taken and share your experience and what it was like? (How did the traditional way of delivering science lessons make your experience feel?)
Only 15% of people said the traditional science teaching experience was good or good. Most people think that the current mode of teaching is boring.
2. How engaged and interactive do you feel you are in the science class?
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70% of people felt they could not engage in traditional science classes
3. What do you think of the learning outcomes of online courses?
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90% of people think that the traditional online teaching model is not effective
4. Are you interested in celestial bodies/universe?
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Most people are interested in celestial knowledge.
Ninety percent of people don't think they have a good understanding of the universe through current learning methods.
User Needs
Experience
Interaction
Sufficient knowledge
Scene
The Idea
Storyboard
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Scene 1
Scene 2
Scene 3
Scene 4
Scene 5
Scene 6
Enter the game
Enter the solar system
Viewpoint Switching
After entering the VR scene, the user will enter the space capsule, with a control panel in front of him. There will also be some prompts about the introduction of VR science experience projects, precautions and game guides, how to use gestures, and the selection of space VR scenes.
Proximity perception/ Pseudo-environment
Planetary core
Planetary comparison
Overlooking the entire solar system, users can control their position and perspective, observe the solar system from multiple angles, and feel the whole picture of the solar system, behind which is the cosmic environment.
If the user selects a planet, the view will quickly pull to the planet, and the user can immerse themselves in the inner environment of the solar system to experience the orbits and rotations of the planets. In addition, the user can view the information of each planet (temperature, climate, whether there is life, mass, volume...).
In addition to the basic information of the planet, users can also get closer to the planet and feel the environment of the planet, such as the closer to the sun, the more dazzling the field of vision, the burning sound, and feel the strong gravity, through (sound, picture) to create a mimicry environment, so as to better understand the planet.
By dragging both sides of the planet with both hands, the planet can be peeled away, and the internal structure of the planet can be observed, and there will be sufficient information to help users understand all aspects of the planet.
Switch to the control mode, users can drag the planets together and compare, according to the difference in the mass and volume of the planets, there will be different dragging experience, the information can be displayed next to the planets at any time, convenient comparison, there will be intuitive data comparison between the planets.
360 VR Grid
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This is the scene at the beginning of VR, is the space capsule, the front is the workbench, the left and right sides are notes and instructions, some gesture guidance will be shown, on the right hand, there is level selection, user can unlock more level after they complete the current one. AndBehind the scene is the hatch, the player can enter the universe through this door.
This is the scene in the solar system, planets around the user, and comparison between planet, user can drag different plants together to
see difference, with detailed information beside it. User can have a better understanding to planets, feel the planetary mimicry environment, switch multiple perspectives to view the galaxy.
Set Up
UI
The UI design in this VR application primarily serves to assist users in navigating and selecting pages, playing a crucial role throughout the entire process. It ensures smooth operation and seamless transitions, enhancing the overall user experience.
Coding
Programming plays a central role in the creation of VR applications and serves as the foundation for interactivity and immersion. By writing code, developers can customize how users interact with the virtual environment, enabling complex interactions and responses. Additionally, programming brings 3D graphics and physics engines to life, providing realistic visual effects and physical simulations for the virtual world. Furthermore, it ensures the stability and performance of the application.
Prototype
Video
This video showcases the entire operation process of the VR application, complete with commentary and explanations. Each design element is clearly introduced and demonstrated.
Reflection
The VR design project has been the most challenging task I have experienced so far and a completely new endeavor for me. Proficiency in programming and Unity was essential to complete this project, yet both my team members and I lacked these skills. However, instead of giving up, we dedicated ourselves to learning Unity intensively over several days. We shared knowledge, learned from each other, and encouraged each other, ultimately achieving a good result.
Through this experience, I realized that it's important not to remain paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. Once we take action, everything falls into place.
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