[Eng] VR UX 18. Prototyping

When designing for VR, it's crucial to consider the 3D space and design accordingly, with attention to the user's field of view, typically ranging from 90 to 100 degrees. Placing content at eye level and ensuring it doesn’t cause discomfort due to its position is vital. Also, providing contextually appropriate menus and utilizing user gaze or gestures for UI decision-making enhances natural interactions and aligns with the story flow. It’s important to avoid pulling users randomly through the story or experience and to use spatial tension to increase immersion. Emotion, sound, and movement should be integrated into narrative interactions to heighten the user's sense of presence and engagement.

 

Common Mistakes in VR UX Design:

• Assumption of Automatic Immersion: Merely being in a 3D environment does not guarantee immersion. Designers must actively create immersive elements through visual cues and interactive experiences.
• Expecting Natural 'Presence': Being in a 3D space doesn’t automatically make users feel present. Active design strategies are needed to foster this sense.
• Weak or Absent Affordances: If it's unclear how to interact, users may need to explore excessively, which can detract from the experience.
• Lack of Narrative: Some VR experiences lack a clear story, making the user experience feel fragmented. A well-integrated narrative helps draw users deeper into the experience.
• Stacked Task Load: Designers sometimes overlook the multiple tasks users may be handling prior to starting a VR experience, adding unnecessary cognitive load.
• Unclear Navigation Cues: If users struggle to navigate either the overall experience or specific interactions, it can cause stress. Clear, intuitive navigation systems are essential.
• Inappropriate Interface Placement (Neck Stoop): UIs positioned too low force users to look down frequently, which can be uncomfortable, especially when combined with the weight of a head-mounted display.
• Unnecessary Coping: Complex UI management can overload users. Streamlining interfaces is crucial.
• Purposeless Discovery and Waiting: Efficient design should minimize unnecessary waiting times and ensure users can explore content without delays.

Tips for Successful Prototyping in VR:

1. Field of View Considerations:
   • Objective: Ensure all intended interactive elements are visible and interactable from the user’s perspective.
   • Method: Continuously test how various elements appear from the user’s viewpoint.
2. Initial Testing with Low-Fidelity Prototyping:
   • Start with basic tests using simple materials like scissors, tape, and whiteboards—similar to staging a play.
   • Low-fidelity prototyping allows for quick exploration of spatial and interaction designs without extensive technical requirements.
3. Utilizing High-Fidelity Prototypes:
   • Transition to testing with actual VR equipment like head-mounted displays to understand the real user experience.
   • Develop initial scenes that allow for testing interactions and user engagement.
4. Integrating Advanced Features:
   • Use capabilities such as full-body tracking provided by platforms like Oculus SDK to enhance realism and responsiveness to user movements.
5. Ongoing User Testing:
   • Engage users early and often by providing scenarios for them to perform specific tasks.
   • Employ the think-aloud protocol to encourage users to express their thoughts and feelings during testing.

Selecting Prototyping Tools:

• Consider the fidelity required for your prototype. High-fidelity prototypes are best for later stages of testing and require more advanced tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, which offer extensive features for realistic and interactive environments.
• Evaluate the level of community and support available for each tool, as this can significantly enhance your development process.