Virtual Reality User Interfaces

Overview

Based on an existing application on Virtual Reality, the user interfaces were outdated. A redesign was needed, not only visually but also in a interactive way.

Objective

Improve the visual aspects of the application in order to make it more appealing to potential buyers as well as enhance the user experience.

Users

Primary users are factory workers who use Virtual Reality applications as part of their training program. Potential users must also be considered.

Pain points

• User knowledge: disruptive technology and limited digital knowledge
• User experience: the way to interact with the virtual content
should be intuitive
• Virtual Reality context: other user factors must be considered

Process

User Experience

Illustration of a person using a digital tool in virtual reality

Wrist Watch Interaction

Illustration of a person using the new User Interface

Touch Environment Interaction

A new way of interaction was needed. To solve it we had brainstorming sessions. We came up with a new system where the button was integrated in the design. In this new system, the poster with the information no longer depends on holding your arm up. Instead, the poster is another element of the environment. and you can reach your hand to use it.

Standard button interaction
Hover button interaction
OK button interaction

Button States - Interaction Feedback

User Interface

Hover State of the Final User Interface

The design proposed, had a clear goal: improve usability by enabling a larger interactable area and reducing cognitive load. The intrinsic load was already heavy, as it is a VR App and involves learning. Because of this, the design removes any superfluous information or button and uses a simple font.

User Interface of poster proposal
User Interface of poster proposal

Proposals

Problems Considered

Human Interaction

Regarding User Experience, the usability was the main area to improve. This aspect was considered by adding a larger interactable area and mimmicking human behaviours.

Human touching a virtual screen
User interfaces develop

Design Approach

Finally, regarding User Interface design, the visual appealing was greatly improved. The colors used pretend to give some depth, as the component will be showed in a 3D environment.

Results

Unity Development Guide & UX Movement Improvement

Virtual Reality User Interfaces Development Guide
UX Improvement Development Guide

During users usage, I noticed they had trouble moving inside the virtual world. To solve it, I developed a guide to improve the perception of the environment.

Video of the application

Here you can see a quick example of the user interfaces. In the video you can see the interactive components and how they respond to the “touch”.

Survey Results

What do you think of the experience?

The new interaction system and button design was well received. In validation sessions, the feedback was quite positive.

This feedback was later reflected in the surveys. This survey was conducted to almost 100 people. Adding up “Excellent” and “Very good” results, a total of 94% of people think the experience was good overall.

Pie chart of the user experience

Are you interested?

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