In collaboration with Global Ties Idaho, I was tasked with developing an interactive Virtual Tour of Idaho. The organization focuses on programs for global ambassadors to have additional opportunities to experience more of Idaho. Typically, the ambassadors visit Idaho with a limited time allowed on their schedule, a portable VR headset allows them to experience more of Idaho in the limited timeframe. This also opens up opportunities for remote exploration of Idaho for ambassadors.
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Part 1: Proof of Concept
In preliminary conversations with my contact at Global Ties Idaho, we discussed the possibility of some form of interaction between the ambassadors and immersive content that was required to be available offline.
A drafted concept video was created in a 24-hour turn-around to discuss next steps of the project. I used FrameVR.io to conceptualize the experience to get a visual representation of my idea to the client.
In preliminary conversations with my contact at Global Ties Idaho, we discussed the possibility of some form of interaction between the ambassadors and immersive content that was required to be available offline.
A drafted concept video was created in a 24-hour turn-around to discuss next steps of the project. I used FrameVR.io to conceptualize the experience to get a visual representation of my idea to the client.
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Part 2: Prototype
A contract to develop the idea into a workable prototype began.
Then a the rough prototype in-engine (Unreal Engine) of the concept was made after early design solution conversations.
Over the course of two weeks, through collaboration we covered:
A contract to develop the idea into a workable prototype began.
Then a the rough prototype in-engine (Unreal Engine) of the concept was made after early design solution conversations.
Over the course of two weeks, through collaboration we covered:
• Which Locations in Idaho would be Featured.
• User Experience Mechanisms.
• Visual Adjustments.
• 360 Video Implementation.
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Part 3: Alpha - Beta
Further iterating the experience we made necessary changes primarily based on key stakeholder feedback while fitting closely within in the timeline:
• Increased Visual Adjustments.
• User Experience Optimizations.
• Removal of Default Teleportation Feature to Centralize the Experience.
• Installed Fully Offline Build onto a VR Headset (Quest 2) for Testing.
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Part 4: Finalized Build
Finally, having exported and packaged from Unreal Engine and successfully installed on Three (Quest 2) VR Devices.
For ease of distribution for updates between headsets, the project was made publish-ready on AppLabs.
Final pass updates included:
• Interactive Reveal Buttons on the Image of Idaho
For ease of distribution for updates between headsets, the project was made publish-ready on AppLabs.
Final pass updates included:
• Interactive Reveal Buttons on the Image of Idaho
• Refined the Show/Hide buttons at each Location.
• 360 Video Locations for Three of the Newly added Locations.
• Finalized In-Experience Sounds and Music