Onboarding experience that introduces a first-time user onto the platform
Project Overview
01
About the company
With a strong emphasis on art, culture, and philanthropy, Think Round's humanitarian efforts focus on making the world a better place for everyone, through one tangible step after another. Its ultimate vision is to build a physical space in San Francisco, to be named the "Center for the Human Family", as a place where our shared humanity can be embraced through art, science, religion, music, cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and more. This center is currently being built as a virtual experience first - as 2D webpages on the Think Round website, and also as a 3D walk-around experience in the Unity game engine.
02
Bridging the gap between physical and virtual
The purpose of this project is to design the user interface for a 3D virtual art gallery that translates a series of real art installations into an immersive online experience. This virtual environment is envisioned as an optional method of viewing a separate 2D art gallery, with the same artworks in place, that can otherwise be accessed through the Think Round website directly. You can explore my work with that project here. While both showcase the same artworks, the more complex 3D environment also features an emphasis on history, culture, and science.
03
My role as a UX/UI designer
I designed interface elements for four separate interactions in the virtual environment. These elements have been implemented by a team of Unity developers, along with the rest of the virtual space. The Unity build as a whole is currently a work-in-progress. Listed below are each of the items in detail.
1. Initial User Onboarding
The onboarding experience is designed to introduce a first time visitor onto the platform, providing them with key tips and suggestions on how to navigate through the virtual environment, while also presenting the option of either exploring on their own or through a guided tour.
2. Navigational Menu
The menu provides instant access to digital space navigation, platform preferences and configuration, and an interactive map.
3. Map
The virtual space is rich with many exhibits and interactive experiences, making it potentially challenging to explore it in a consistent and coherent way. The map functions as a navigational assistant, showing an abstracted bird's eye view of the environment to help the user better understand where everything is located and how the different parts are connected.
4. Holographic Earth Menu
At the center of the virtual environment is a three-dimensional model of the Earth, aiming to add a scientific element to the experience. The user can learn about the Earth's layers, tectonic plates, atmospheric layers, and magnetic fields. This menu appears when attempting to interact with the holographic Earth, providing easy access to its many features.