Immersive Interaction Research & Prototyping
VR Meditation, Spatial Perception & Interaction Paradigms
My Role
Student
Supervisor
Prof. Robin Neuhaus
Tools & Tech
Research Seminar: AR/VR Interaction Paradigms
Explores how virtual reality can simulate variable gravity environments, inspired by 3 Body Problem. Focuses on intuitive navigation and immersive interaction to enhance training, education, and research.
Zensis: VR Meditation
Designed and developed a VR experience using Unity 3D that counteracts motion sickness while promoting mindfulness. The system uses procedural natural environments and spatial audio to ground the user.
OVR Lap: Multi-Location Perception
Represented a CHI conference paper on multi-location VR perception through investigation and study of the interaction concepts. Designed a comprehensive poster and delivered a poster presentation for the seminar.
The Challenge
The rapid evolution of spatial computing challenges established interaction metaphors. Key questions include: How can VR support mental well-being without sensory overload? How do users conceptualize digital objects in physical space (AR)? And can we expand human perception to monitor multiple virtual locations simultaneously?
Approach & Solution
This portfolio entry consolidates three distinct research initiatives conducted at the University of Siegen.
1. Zensis: VR Meditation for Stress Reduction
Designed and developed a VR experience using Unity 3D that counteracts motion sickness while promoting mindfulness. The system uses procedural natural environments and spatial audio to ground the user, focusing on "calm technology" principles.
2. AR/VR Interaction Paradigms (Research Seminar)
Conducted a systematic literature review on diegetic vs. non-diegetic interfaces. The resulting analysis categorizes interaction techniques based on cognitive load and immersion, providing a framework for evaluating "naturalness" in mixed reality.
3. OVR Lap: Multi-Location Perception (CHI Conference Paper)
Worked with Prof. Robin Neuhaus to investigate and study interaction techniques from a research paper published at the CHI conference. The paper explores the theoretical limits of spatial awareness through a "multi-view" VR interface, examining how users might monitor and interact with two distinct virtual environments simultaneously. I re-presented the paper and designed a poster for presentation at the seminar, addressing challenges in attention allocation and visual clutter.
Key Outcomes & Impact
Developed a fully functional VR meditation prototype (Zensis) in Unity
Authored a comprehensive semantic analysis of AR/VR interaction metaphors
Designed a conceptual framework for multi-location VR presence (OVR Lap)
Bridge theoretical HCI concepts with practical prototyping in Unity