Virtual reality and virtual space creation is an area of unique nature, holding unexplored potential. In essence, it is an informational reality that is created digitally — by using 3D modeling engines and adjunct technologies, creating a spatial ecosystem for computer-generated experiences.
Designing virtual environments in many ways resembles the traditional design process where architects design rooms and buildings to enclose spaces and make them useful for a specific function. Virtual reality is just like that, only digital and non-physical. One could say that the 3D Web is an extended domain for architects because many principles they use to design can be applied to virtual spaces.
Yet, the computer-generated world also has its own principles, so not everything we know about designing physical spaces can be transported. It is a combination of approaches — some replicated, some digitally native.
Personalization of Web3D Space
At OWNverse we are testing and experimenting with various methods, creating prototypes of spaces for multiple different audiences. In our previous article about Personal Branding in Web3, we wrote about the importance of personalization in Web3D space. The OWN spaces will be designed and equipped with stylization and personalization tools to be able to embody the personality of the user, business or a brand.
Personalized web space is not a new phenomenon, it is the foundational principle of all websites and social media accounts — people want to display who they are. In fact, August 2023 will mark 20 years from launching the first social network that pioneered the global trend of personalized 2D web spaces — MySpace. As the first platform to reach a global audience, playing a critical role in growth of companies like YouTube or creating developer platforms that launched the success of Zynga, Photobucket or RockYou, MySpace reached peak popularity from 2005 to 2009.
The personalization of spaces carries on in Web3, which brings the necessity of spatializing user profiles. Imagine a Twitter account of an author or a Linktree of an artist. What would it look like in 3D? That is the subject of 3D virtual personalization.
Virtual Design Process
Designing virtual spaces can be as simple as designing a chat window, or as complex as designing a virtual metropolis. Central to our approach towards design is creating an analogy between physical and virtual space, where we explore what type of activities and uses need to be covered by the architecture.
Design Categories
We identify multiple categories of use that determine spatial typologies, scales, surfaces, furnishing and equipment for media channels as means of integrations of other platforms. Before starting the design process, we considered an object-oriented sense that corresponds to space, things and people. For each type of space, there is a different set of activities, whether they are active or passive. The layouts do not necessarily follow the traditional patterns of designing physical spaces. Virtual space has its own functional and aesthetic rules that include additional navigational elements and physically unrealistic means of transportation, such as teleportation.
For us, the efficiency of the movement, clarity of what the space is designed for and adequate flow of information from multiple other channels are the most important factors.
Personalization Tools
The ability to personalize the space to reflect one’s own identity and preferences is one of the most exciting aspects of virtual space design. This includes everything from the colors and textures used in the room to the virtual objects and decorations. Individuals can create a space that reflects their interests and passions, allowing them to feel more connected to their virtual environment.
Users can use a wide range of customization options to make their virtual space unique and reflective of their brand. It offers a range of functional purposes including art, gaming, fashion, education, science, socializing or an other activity.
3D User Interface
In VR applications, users need the interface to conduct interactions. Even though 2D interfaces remain within the virtual space as screens or other two-dimensional surfaces communicating information, a virtual space itself is built upon a 3D interactive layer (3D UIs) that combines both. To supply a better environment, we explore different directions of how to best balance interactive measures and place them within 3D space.
It is important to note that 3D interaction does not necessarily mean use of 3D input devices. An UI involving a 3D interaction can be defined as a 3D UI even in case of 2D input, which later translates into a 3D location where a 3D interaction occurs. For example a mouse on a 2D screen can operate and navigate in a 3D virtual room.
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Creating a high quality personalized VR experience is not just about making the visuals look good. It’s also about ensuring that the space is intuitive, easy to use and has the capacity to embody the character of the user. Careful balance of spatial habits of the audience and introduction of novelty digitally native elements will eventually help establish an interactive layer that fits a new type of regular Internet user.
Ultimately, the goal is a wider adoption of XR platforms. For that, we need to run multiple tests and learn from the experiments, just like in the Dotcom adoption era that formed the habits of the current Internet user.
For more, check out the OWNverse WORLD to learn about building personalized virtual space in Web3, and join us on Discord and Twitter!
