The project undertaken at Studio Digital Jalebi, aimed to delve into the idea of metaverse experience, conduct research to conceptualize its essence and design interactions and spaces, which could be presented to potential clientele. The journey commenced with an analysis of existing literature spanning the domains of video games and social media. The analysis puts forward a critical view on the emerging concepts around web3. From the idea of Metaverse as a disruptive technology, the focus is shifted on designing virtual experiences and types of media that can be used to produce such experiences.
With insights from existing projects in web and mobile platforms, the project explores the media of virtual reality. By utilizing general standards and guidelines set by companies in the XR industry, reviewing design and development changes in the medium, a wide variety of game mechanics is tried out to identify what best suits the aims of the studio.
By starting from scratch, production for virtual spaces was explored from fundamental concepts like environment, lighting, materials etc. The use of generative AI is introduced with examples, ideas and shortcomings. Subsequently, a virtual space is designed, produced and optimized for VR within Digital Jalebi’s brand. Finally, a demo experience is designed with reduced comfort risks without compromising presence and immersion. Primitive interactions and feature level implementations are explored through team prototypes and design reviews.
The project concludes as a comprehensive attempt at directing the design and development process at Digital Jalebi for what can be termed a metaverse experience . The overuse of buzzwords and bias towards speculative ideas often make designing for emerging technology a challenging task. Learning about the underlying technology and utilizing media driven explorations is highlighted in this process
