Role: Product Designer
Context: Immersive VR Conferencing
Duration: Nov 2023 - Apr 2024
My individual contribution
My individual contribution to NextSpace involved leading the design process alongside Elizabeth Will because we noticed existing VR conference platforms lacked the natural freedom of in-person meetings. Our goal was to create a space where remote collaboration feels just as easy and enjoyable. Additionally, I took charge of various aspects of the project, dedicating the majority of my time to tasks such as research, immersive design, interaction design, spatial design, and product thinking.
About
NextSpace serves as a virtual office space where teams can convene, collaborate, and manage projects with the same ease and familiarity as in-person interactions. Operating within a user-friendly 3D environment, it enables structured meetings, streamlined workflows, and collective project management. NextSpace not only replaces traditional video conferencing, but also enhances existing VR tools for a more seamless and immersive experience, by redefining how teams connect and collaborate.
Problem statement
How can we improve existing VR conference environments to create more engaging and immersive collaborative experiences, aiming to replicate in-person meetings as closely as possible, and thereby strengthen team connections and productivity?
Project tags
XR/VR
Virtual reality
Meetings
Conferencing
Gestures
View Prototype
Download Interaction Specs
Target audience.
Departments that could benefit most from NextSpaces' collaborative meeting spaces
In today's remote work environment, users often encounter challenges with existing 3D VR conferencing platforms. While these platforms offer some level of functionality for virtual meetings, users may find them lacking in terms of immersive experiences and interactive features necessary for effective collaboration. NextSpace is designed to address these shortcomings by providing a seamless platform for users to meet, collaborate, and manage their work in a 3D environment.
Managers
Educators
Recruiters
Facilitators
Stakeholders
Question Areas
52%
Are frustrated with the time-consuming setup process of virtual 3D meetings, finding it impractical.
43%
Experienced limitations in engaging during virtual 3D meetings, especially with content interaction challenges.
63%
Have concerns about the potential for distractions in virtual 3D meetings due to immersive surroundings.
80%
Expressed concerns about the limited ability to collaborate and share content among their co-workers.
Synthesizing user research.
Courtney Burrel
Efficiency Enthusiast | Strategic Planner | Tech Lover
Age: 41
Occupation: Project Manager
Status: Married
Location: Halifax, NS
XR Experience
Novice
Expert
"I believe effective communication is the cornerstone of successful projects, but virtual reality meetings often pose challenges due to distracting 3D environments."
Pain Points:
I frequently find myself struggling to maintain focus during VR meetings, as the backgrounds can be distracting and unrelated to the agenda. Customization is also extremely limited in terms of personalization.
Goals:
I'm want a tool that allow for greater customization and control over virtual meeting environments, so I can create focused and productive settings for important discussions and decision-making processes.
Raman Sharma
Innovative | Forward-thinking | Entrepreneurial
Age: 34
Occupation: Co-founder
Status: Single
Location: New York, NY
XR Experience
Novice
Expert
“I like 3D conferencing. Although, it’s a shame that there's no way to integrate third-party software or for the team to interact effectively with project files.”
Pain Points:
I wish there was a better way to showcase and share our 3D designs and prototypes in Meta Horizon. The current limitations obstruct our engagement with clients and team members, as well as other employees.
Goals:
I want a platform where I can hold meetings virtually in a way where certain things from in-person experiences remain. More specifically, an effective way to share and showcase files with interactive features.
Anjali Harpal
Diligent | Adaptable | Detail-Oriented
Age: 27
Occupation: Employee
Status: Single
Location: Barrie, ON
XR Experience
Novice
Expert
“I often feel that VR meetings are not the right tool for most situations. Why is it that I can’t share files and collaborate with content with my own co-workers?”
Pain Points:
I wish I could share my stuff with my colleges in a way where they can come in and edit my own content. It would also be nice to host my computer screen in areas other than my desk, it just doesn’t make sense.
Goals:
I picture being able to directly share files, whether that be from my whiteboard, or MeetinVR tablet, with other members. It would also be a dream if I could move my virtual computer screen to anywhere I want.
Understanding the competition.
Virtual Content Placement.
Viewing Zones
When designing for VR, it's crucial to consider the placement and layout of VR viewing zones, ensuring optimal immersion and comfort for users navigating virtual environments.
Low Fidelity Prototypes.
Paper Storyboard
360º Storyboard
High fidelity prototypes.
CONFRENCING 01
QUICK SETUP OVERVIEW
NextSpace's fast setup allows people to quickly create and customize meeting environments that ensure seamless integration and immediate readiness for any type of virtual collaboration.
Configuration
Efficiency
Collaboration
This setup was strategized, researched and designed for the Meta Horizon OS.
CONFERENCING 02
3D MODEL INTERACTION
The 3D Model Editing feature allows users to upload and manipulate 3D objects with full control. Users can adjust parameters like position, rotation, and scale, as well as modify materials and scene settings. All standard editing features are available for customization of 3D models within the virtual environment.
Interactive
Mobile Manipulation
Customization
Measuring success.
“Developing this fintech solution has been quite a journey. It's shown me the tight link between design and function. It's not just about appearances; it's about making a tool that blends effortlessly into people's lives. Success, for me, is when users interact with the app as if it's second nature, reflecting my goal of making financial technology more relatable and human.
Reflecting back, a significant achievement was crafting a user-friendly AI that places users in control, enhancing their sense of autonomy within the app. This was complemented by the introduction and refinement of features traditionally absent from conventional banking platforms. By focusing on these areas, the project successfully bridged the gap between user needs and the capabilities of modern financial technology, offering a more intuitive and empowering banking experience.