1st Prize Winner🏆 – Global XR Hackathon 2024, Aug 18-20 @ Cologne – Germany

At the Global XR Hack 2024 in Cologne, Germany, I participated as a Product Designer (XR) in a team of five. Sponsored by Meta, our project, Mix Drink Master, was a Mixed Reality (MR) application designed to help users practice and master the art of cocktail-making. Cocktails are more than just drinks; they are a cultural expression that blends science, creativity, and tradition. Our app allows beginners and enthusiasts to practice making cocktails in a virtual environment, learning the essential steps without wasting ingredients. Once confident, users can create a real cocktail in mixed reality using hand-tracking technology.

Challenges

1. User Experience for Beginners: Ensuring that users with no prior experience felt comfortable practicing cocktail-making in real-time without fear of making mistakes.
2. Realistic Interaction: Creating an intuitive, realistic experience that replicates the tactile feedback of real-world cocktail-making in a virtual environment.
3. Seamless Integration of Technologies: Integrating various MetaSDK tools, such as Passthrough, MR Utility Kit, Scene API, Hand Tracking, and text-to-speech SDK, to deliver a seamless mixed reality experience.

Solution Delivered

1. Immersive Learning Experience: We developed a mixed reality application where users could practice making cocktails step by step, guided by real-time instructions. The application uses hand-tracking to simulate the actual process of mixing drinks, allowing users to build confidence without the pressure of wasting ingredients.
2. Advanced MR Technology: Leveraged MetaSDK’s suite of tools, including Passthrough for a blended virtual and real-world view, Hand Tracking for precise interactions, and the Presence Platform for a deeply immersive experience.
3. User-Centric Design: The app was designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring that even beginners could easily follow along and master the art of cocktail-making.

Benefits to User

• Skill Development: Users can learn and practice cocktail-making without the fear of making mistakes or wasting, leading to a more confident and skilled approach in real life.
• Cost Efficiency: Eliminates the need to purchase ingredients for practice, saving users money while they learn.
• Convenience and Fun: Offers a fun, interactive way to learn a new skill in the comfort of their own home, blending entertainment with education.

Final Results

• Successful Demonstration: The application was successfully demonstrated at the Global XR Hack 2024, receiving positive feedback for its innovative use of mixed reality in a practical application.

• User Satisfaction: Early user testing indicated high satisfaction rates, particularly among beginners who appreciated the guidance and interactive learning experience.

• First Place Award: Our project won 1st place in the Hobbies and Skills category, recognizing the app’s effectiveness and potential in skill-based learning.

Potential for Expansion

The project opened avenues for further development and potential commercialization, with possibilities for expanding the application to other skill-based learning experiences.

Ducati AR Product Visualization

Client: Ducati
My Role: Principal XR Designer

Objective: Ducati aimed to revolutionize the customer experience in the motorcycle industry by introducing a cutting-edge product visualization and customization platform. The goal was to enhance user engagement, drive brand loyalty, and increase sales through immersive Augmented Reality (AR) technology.

Approach: Leveraging our expertise in AR development, we collaborated with Ducati to create a virtual showroom that allowed users to visualize and customize their motorcycles in real-world environments. The platform enabled users to explore a wide range of customizations, including colors, accessories, and modifications, providing a personalized experience tailored to individual preferences.

Outcome: The Ducati Product Visualization and Customization Experience surpassed expectations, resulting in a significant increase in user engagement and conversion rates. The intuitive interface and seamless AR integration captivated users, leading to longer sessions and higher levels of satisfaction. Furthermore, the valuable insights gathered from user interactions empowered Ducati to refine their product offerings and marketing strategies, setting a new standard for customer engagement in the motorcycle industry.

Augmented Reality Jungle Safari

Client: Guindy National Park – Govt of Tamilnadu

My Role: Principal XR Designer

Objective: Partnered with Swevens to develop an Augmented Reality (AR) Jungle Safari for Guindy National Park, Forest Department, Govt of Tamilnadu, specifically targeting children. The objective was to enhance their experience by bringing virtual representations of animals into reality through augmented reality technology.

Approach:

1. Research and Modeling: Conducted extensive research on Indian reptiles to ensure accurate representation in texture and form. Collaborated closely with 3D artists to model the animals with precision, ensuring authenticity and educational value.
2. Animation and Rendering: Developed animations for the AR experience, bringing the virtual animals to life in a dynamic and engaging manner. Utilized rendering techniques to enhance realism and immersion, captivating the audience and facilitating learning.
3. Hardware Considerations: Addressed the challenge of exposure to the Indian climate by selecting durable hardware solutions suitable for outdoor use. Implemented protective measures to safeguard the equipment from environmental factors such as heat and humidity.
4. Experience Optimization: Designed the AR Jungle Safari experience to run seamlessly for extended periods, considering the park’s operating hours of 13 hours or more each day. Optimized performance and stability to ensure uninterrupted enjoyment for visitors throughout the day.

Outcome:

• Successful implementation of the AR Jungle Safari at Guindy National Park, Govt of Tamilnadu, providing children with an immersive and educational experience.
• Realistic representation of Indian reptiles through accurate modeling and texture mapping, enhancing the educational value of the AR experience.
• Engaging animations and rendering techniques captivated visitors, enriching their understanding of wildlife and conservation efforts.
• Durable hardware solutions withstood the challenges of outdoor exposure in the Indian climate, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the AR setup.
• Continuous operation of the AR Jungle Safari for extended periods, meeting the demands of the park’s operating hours and delighting visitors with an unforgettable experience.

__________________________________________

Please be informed that my portfolio only allows sharing of images. Due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with my clients, I cannot disclose any videos. I respect their content and confidentiality. However, if necessary, I am open to showcasing my work in a closed session with limited access for authorized individuals. Thank you for your understanding.

Augmented Reality, Quick look on Safari Browser

Client: Spain Furniture Ecommerce Company

My Role: Principal XR Designer

Objective: To integrate Augmented Reality (AR) Quick Look functionality into the company’s website to enhance the online shopping experience for customers by allowing them to view products in 3D and AR directly from Safari browser on iOS devices (iOS 12+), thereby improving product understanding and purchase decision-making.

Approach:

1. Research and Analysis: Conducted research on AR Quick Look feature introduced in iOS 12+ and its potential impact on ecommerce. Analyzed user behavior and expectations regarding AR-enhanced shopping experiences.
2. Collaboration with Development Team: Worked closely with the development team to understand technical requirements and capabilities for implementing AR Quick Look on the company’s website. Discussed compatibility, optimization, and integration aspects.
3. Product Selection and Preparation: Identified key products from the company’s inventory suitable for AR visualization. Collaborated with 3D artists to build models, ensuring they were optimized for web experience by reducing polycount while maintaining high-quality textures for realism. Worked on reducing loading times specifically for Safari browser to ensure a seamless user experience.
4. User Interface Design: Designed intuitive UI elements for users to easily access and interact with AR Quick Look feature directly from the Safari browser. Ensured a seamless transition from web browsing to AR experience with minimal friction.
5. Testing and Iteration: Conducted thorough testing of AR Quick Look functionality across various iOS devices and Safari browser versions to ensure compatibility and performance. Gathered user feedback and iterated on the design and functionality for optimization.
6. Documentation and Training: Prepared documentation and guidelines for internal teams and users on how to utilize AR Quick Look feature effectively. Conducted training sessions if necessary to ensure smooth adoption and usage.
7. Launch and Promotion: Collaborated with marketing team to promote the AR Quick Look feature through various channels, highlighting its benefits and unique selling points. Monitored user engagement and feedback post-launch.

Outcome:

• Successful integration of AR Quick Look functionality into the company’s website, providing users with the ability to view products in 3D and AR directly from Safari browser on iOS devices.
• Enhanced online shopping experience, leading to improved product understanding and increased user engagement.
• Positive feedback from customers regarding the convenience and usefulness of AR Quick Look feature, resulting in higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
• Recognition of the company’s innovative approach to ecommerce and AR technology, positioning it as a leader in the furniture industry.
  
  
  Visit this link from your ios device with Safari and experience the WebAR.
  Got to BRING HOME EVEN BEFORE YOU BUY IT
  AR and VR technologies and applications | Swevens
  
  _______________________________________________________

Please be informed that my portfolio only allows sharing of images. Due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with my clients, I cannot disclose any videos. I respect their content and confidentiality. However, if necessary, I am open to showcasing my work in a closed session with limited access for authorized individuals. Thank you for your understanding.

XR Prototyping using Bezel.it

Introducing Bezel, a new tool for XR designers still being tested. It helps you make prototypes easily. I tried it out to see how good it is, and I really like it. It’s simple to use and has a great user experience. You can quickly explore XR ideas with it.

AR Education

CleanRoom VR Training Simulation

Please be informed that my portfolio only allows sharing of images. Due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with my clients, I cannot disclose any videos. I respect their content and confidentiality. However, if necessary, I am open to showcasing my work in a closed session with limited access for authorized individuals. Thank you for your understanding.

AR VR Product Visualization – Siemens Gamesa India

Please be informed that my portfolio only allows sharing of images. Due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with my clients, I cannot disclose any videos. I respect their content and confidentiality. However, if necessary, I am open to showcasing my work in a closed session with limited access for authorized individuals. Thank you for your understanding.

Apache VR Experience

Please be informed that my portfolio only allows sharing of images. Due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with my clients, I cannot disclose any videos. I respect their content and confidentiality. However, if necessary, I am open to showcasing my work in a closed session with limited access for authorized individuals. Thank you for your understanding.

Virtual Portal for Education (AR)

Please be informed that my portfolio only allows sharing of images. Due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with my clients, I cannot disclose any videos. I respect their content and confidentiality. However, if necessary, I am open to showcasing my work in a closed session with limited access for authorized individuals. Thank you for your understanding.

Indian Crocodile

FurnituAR – Furniture Visualisation AR App

Please be informed that my portfolio only allows sharing of images. Due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with my clients, I cannot disclose any videos. I respect their content and confidentiality. However, if necessary, I am open to showcasing my work in a closed session with limited access for authorized individuals. Thank you for your understanding.