PROJECT OVERVIEW
The goal of the project was to create a 3D data visualization application for Meta Quest 2 VR, providing users with an immersive way to interact with complex data in a user-friendly manner. The main objective was to enable the user to upload CSV files and interact with their data in a dynamic, spatial environment that gives enhanced insights through visualization and user engagement. It was inspired by the desire to marry immersive VR features with data analysis; the challenge, however, was how to make such abstract data both approachable and interesting.
Role
UX/UI Designer
PERIOD
October - December 2024
TOOLS
Figma
Unity3D
Meta Quest 2/3
Visual Studio Code
TEAM
Howard Le
Andrew Shen
Rachel Cheng
BACKGROUND RESEARCH
Research Goals
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Identify existing online sites or programs related to data visualization
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Identify user challenges in large datasets
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Assess user expectations for interactivity in VR
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Determine accessibility needs
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Benchmark against existing tools
Market Analysis
Tableau
Power BI
Flow Immersive
Key Insights
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2D tools work well for experts, but they lack immersion and depth in showing complex interconnections among data.
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Current VR tools tend to focus on storytelling more than direct investigation of data.
User Responses*
Our team conducted preliminary user surveying with the project concept to gather in-depth feedback and guidance for project execution from potential users:
Q1: VR provides deeper insights into datasets?
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80% of respondents agree
Q2: How strong do you feel existing tools are?
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5.5 out of 10 average
Q3: If you know/use any tools, which ones?
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Tableau
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Google Charts
Is there anything you want out of this tool?
Research Findings / Pain Points
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Issues in data uploading: Users want to import data rapidly.
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Complicated interfaces: The complexity of UI layouts in VR leads to a high degree of cognitive strain in many cases.
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Navigation issues: Without prominent signals, traversing through extensive data visualizations can be confusing in VR.
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Lack of feedback mechanisms: Users need immediate and clear feedback for actions such as filtering or hovering over a point.
* We did not conduct full user surveys/interviews, so this information is based on verbal conversations with peers and other individuals about the project concept and execution
DEFINE
Target Users
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Data analysts, researchers, and business professionals who work with large data sets.
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VR enthusiasts who seek innovative tools for data exploration
How Might We Questions
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How might we make data more understandable and interactive in a VR environment?
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How might we make the uploading and filtering of datasets easier to the user?
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How might we ensure that the interface is user-friendly and limits discomfort in VR?
Problem Statement
Data visualization tools lack spatial interactivity.
A VR platform is needed for intuitive, user-friendly exploration.
IDEATE
Target Needs and Goals
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Easy data upload and processing
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Clear visualization of multiple variables
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Intuitive interaction mechanisms
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A visually minimal and distraction-free interface
DESIGN
Initial Designs
Temporary UI placement holders while we worked on the functionality of our program
High-fidelity Prototype
01. Immersive Data Panels
Users can access key tools like filters, zoom, and details through floating UI Panels.
Panels adjust and move with the user in the virtual space.
02. Dynamic Data Interaction
Users can click on data points to reveal contextual information.
Tools for moving and adjusting datasets ensure real-time responsiveness.
03. Intuitive Navigation
Users can move and zoom into the displayed graph of data points using slider controllers on a panel in front of them.
Impact
Transforms data exploration by enabling users to interact with complex data sets in an immersive, intuitive VR environment
04. VR Integration
Implementing VR-specific interactions like controller-based point-and-click mechanics.
Ensures a smooth, immersive experience with ergonomic design and minimal cognitive load.
Design Decisions
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World-space UI Panels: Suspended panels for uploading, filtering, and analyzing data.
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Simple Interaction Process: Easy file upload to import documents and intuitive controls for navigation.
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Distinct UI Navigation: Vibrant color choices and button styles for effective navigation and user engagement.
Visual Identity
TEST
Usability Testing
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Test users felt that the VR environment provided a unique perspective on their datasets.
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Over 90% of users responded that the floating UI panels were easy to use and unobtrusive.
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Users liked the tooltip feature and the ability to filter data on the fly.
Key Feedback
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"The world-space UI was intuitive and easy to access without being overwhelming."
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"This application made it fun to explore data I'd typically analyze in Excel."
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"I'd love to see more customization options for data visualization styles."
Final Thoughts
The transition into this project, having no experience whatsoever in VR, to emerging with a working VR tool has been absolutely transforming. Working within this new medium really tested my notion of usability and accessibility and further underlined how continuous user feedback is integral in ensuring an engaging, immersive experience.
Going forward, I feel that there is a great potential to extend the functionalities of the tool to meet emerging user needs more effectively. Such an extension would obviously need new UI elements and design considerations to maintain the intuitiveness of the tool.
Although it took time for our team to get used to this platform, the process really taught me the critical role of effective UI design in connecting users to emergent technologies. As VR continues to advance, I am committed to creating meaningful and accessible experiences that drive the future of immersive innovation.
