Project Details

My Role: Lead Designer and Researcher

Overview:

After presenting our VR app at South by Southwest (SXSW), we gathered valuable feedback from attendees to identify key areas for improvement in preparation for next year's event. This feedback was instrumental in refining our user experience (UX) and addressing specific usability issues that were highlighted during the demonstrations.

Challenges:

During the demonstration of our VR products at SXSW, we encountered several significant challenges:

• Motion Sickness: The locomotion method of moving caused motion sickness, disrupting the user experience
• Limited Content: Users wanted to see more than just two vehicles, indicating a need for richer content
• Teleportation Confusion: The teleport option was unclear, leaving users uncertain about their landing location
• Frame Rate Issues: Several frame rate issues were identified, contributing to motion sickness and detracting from the overall experience

Interview and Surveys of Users:

To understand these challenges in depth, we conducted a series of interviews and surveys with both customers and facilitators:

• Interviews: Engaged in one-on-one interviews with 25 attendees who experienced our VR app at SXSW, focusing on their specific pain points and suggestions for improvement
• Surveys: Distributed surveys to over 200 users to gather quantitative data on their experiences and preferences
• Facilitator Feedback: Collected detailed feedback from facilitators who managed the VR demos to identify logistical and usability issues from their perspective

Findings from Interviews:

The feedback from our user research revealed several critical insights:

• Motion Sickness: Many users experienced motion sickness due to the locomotion method, emphasizing the need for a more comfortable navigation system
• Desire for More Content: Users expressed a desire to see more vehicles and a richer, more engaging environment
• Teleportation Clarity: There was significant confusion about the teleportation function, indicating a need for a clearer and more intuitive system
• Performance Issues: Frame rate drops were a common complaint, directly linked to increased motion sickness and a diminished user experience

Final Design Choices:

Based on these findings, we implemented several key UX changes to address the feedback:

• Expanded Content: Added an entry lobby with a more realistic backdrop, allowing users to teleport to the two vehicles from the previous version. This enriched the environment and provided a more engaging experience
• Improved Teleportation: Overhauled the teleport function to replicate a more industry-standard "fishhook" teleport after extensive user testing, ensuring users could clearly see where they would land
• Frame Rate Optimization: Fixed frame rate issues to provide a smoother experience and reduce motion sickness
• Foveated Rendering: Introduced foveated rendering when using locomotion to further minimize motion sickness, enhancing overall comfort and usability

Leadership

Effective leadership was pivotal in enhancing our VR app following feedback from South by Southwest (SXSW) 2023. As the Lead Designer and Researcher, I guided both the creative and analytical processes.

I set a clear, user-focused vision to address motion sickness, limited content, teleportation confusion, and frame rate issues. By promoting open communication and regular feedback loops, we leveraged diverse perspectives to develop innovative solutions.

Mentoring junior team members was crucial. I provided guidance and encouraged ownership of key components, such as the expanded content and improved teleportation system, fostering a motivated and cohesive team. Facilitating brainstorming sessions and encouraging diverse input enabled informed decision-making, essential for navigating the project's challenges.

Close coordination with the development team ensured proper implementation of our design improvements. I worked closely with developers to optimize frame rates and implement foveated rendering, addressing technical constraints and ensuring the final product met usability standards.

Maintaining flexibility and resilience in the face of feedback-driven changes ensured continuous progress. This adaptability was essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving our project goals, ultimately enhancing the VR app's user experience and accessibility for a broader audience at SXSW.

Conclusion:

The redesign of our VR app significantly improved its usability and user experience. By expanding the content, clarifying the teleportation system, optimizing frame rates, and implementing foveated rendering, we addressed the key issues identified from the SXSW feedback. These changes not only enhanced the product's functionality but also made it more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.

Success and Kudos:

The impact of these UX improvements was profound:

• User Satisfaction: The enhancements greatly reduced motion sickness and confusion, leading to a more positive user experience
• Industry Recognition: Our VR product was lauded by industry professionals with over 20 years of experience at SXSW for its innovative design and enhanced functionality. This recognition underscores the project's success and its significant impact on advancing VR technology
• Internal Praise: The CTO of the CIA reviewed the updated VR product at SXSW and praised its design and functionality. Additionally, the Director of Analysis of the CIA recommended it be showcased internally for its exemplary contribution to the field

In summary, this project is a testament to the importance of being open-minded to user feedback. By actively incorporating user insights, we were able to significantly enhance the usability and success of our VR product, setting a high standard for future developments.

‍Click HERE to view the press release‍