This research project explores possible scenarios for hybrid virtual-physical homes, based on the different needs and associations that people have with their own homes, and the general concept of what makes a place feel like “home.” Aspects such as personalization, privacy, and comfort, which may not be accessible or possible in certain residence situations, were explored, and virtual reality prototypes were created to engage these needs. Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Jessica Hammer, with funding from Verizon, our research team designed and built four prototype VR rooms, made for the HTC Vive, with Unity 3D and Maya.
ROLE: Designer/Prototyper and Researcher: prototype concept development, lead development and implementation of co-design activities with research participants, user study analysis, paper co-author
Documentation of VR Research Prototypes based on the concept of virtual-physical hybrid homes. Research conducted at the Human Computer Interaction Institute, with Principal Investigator Dr. Jessica Hammer. Additional research collaborators: Lauren Herckis, Thomas Corbett, Jacqui Fashimpaur, Rachel Rodgers, Adela Kapuscinska, Kai Kuehner, Jeena Yin, Jessica Cao, and Sabrina Zhai. Video by Jacqui Fashimpaur.
User Study Participant Concept Map of “Home” created during Co-Design session