Beyond Bounds — VR experience transporting users through space to explore the human psyche

♣ INTERACTION DESIGN

Beyond Bounds

Digital interfaces shouldn't be predictable. Our experimental project, Beyond Bounds, attempted to break this mould through an immersive VR experience designed to evoke emotion and challenge traditional UI conventions. By launching users into an interstellar journey, it uses the vastness of space and celestial bodies to explore the human psyche.

Role
Interaction Designer & Unity Developer
Timeline
6 Weeks
Team
Aartee Shingan, Cristiana Stefanescu, Nathan Stuger
Year
2024

02

The Problem & The User

The Problem

As digital interfaces prioritise efficiency, they have lost their ability to evoke emotion. Users are left with sterile, transactional interactions that lack the depth of human experience. The challenge was to break away from conventional UI and design a tool that fosters emotional connection, wonder, and introspection rather than just productivity.

The User

People suffering from screen fatigue who crave a profound departure from everyday technology. These users actively seek out awe-inspiring, meditative experiences to navigate personal emotions, using spatial computing as a safe canvas for self-reflection.

70%

of surveyed users cited daily "screen fatigue".

15

in-depth user interviews revealed a strong desire for "meditative" digital experiences.

76%

indicated that a 3D/spatial environment would make them more open to self-reflection.

03

The Approach & Process

Research & Discovery

We conducted a "Research through Experience" approach to understand the current landscape of spatial computing. We used the Meta Quest Pro to test apps like Liminal VR, Mission: ISS, and the Meta Horizon Worlds Blackpink concert, gaining crucial firsthand insights into VR usability. We also visited the Fabrique des Lumières exhibition to study how immersive, emotive environments are successfully crafted in physical spaces.

Fabrique des Lumières exhibition — visitors immersed in blue starfield projection covering floor, walls, and ceiling

Fabrique des Lumières exhibition — studying how immersive, emotive environments are crafted in physical spaces

04

The Solution

A playful propulsion mechanic and an emotional aura — together they transform passive VR spectators into active emotional participants.

Beyond Bounds onboarding — Step 1 of 3, planets with emotions, Welcome to your onboarding

Onboarding experience

Live testing revealed our original tutorial scene took too long and delayed immersion. The fix was to scrap the tutorial in favour of a clean, 3-step UI onboarding process. These panels drastically improved comprehension and got users into the experience immediately.

How to fly UI — VR controller trigger instruction and body movement diagram for propulsion mechanic

"Iron Man" Propulsion Movement

To emulate zero gravity, we developed a C# script for a hand-based propulsion system. Users pull the controller triggers to emit force, allowing them to "fly" between planets. This makes the transition between emotional states an active, playful part of the journey.

Planet Aura — Earth-like planet with vibrant blue aura and inner sparkles against starfield

The Emotional Aura System

Each planet acts as a portal to a specific emotion — Jupiter for Optimism, Venus for Love. We utilised 8K textures and spatial audio, switching from unsettling raw frequencies to curated music and human narration, to ensure each "aura" felt authentic and deeply immersive.

UI Iteration

Before Before — HUD-locked solar system navigator with Close Navigator button

Simple HUD-bound UI concept causing visual obstruction and failed user task completion tests.

After After — hand-anchored planet selection bar with Earth and celestial body icons

Iterated UI with a waist-anchored "Solar System" menu to prioritise player immersion and clear sightlines.

05

The Impact

We feel the project subverted typical VR space tropes, moving users from tourists to emotional participants.

11

Immersive scenes designed to trigger emotional resonance

High

Qualitative emotional impact

500+

Build iterations tested for quality assurance

06

Reflection & Learnings

What I Learned

I significantly enhanced my technical competency in Unity and C#. I learnt that as a Design Lead, clear and honest "Dutch-style" communication fosters a co-creative environment where team members feel supported in their individual goals, like UI/UX exploration.

What I'd Do Differently

In the future, I would implement a feature prioritisation list (MVP) earlier to manage the complexity of Unity integration. I also would have loved to experiment with haptic sensors — using heaters or fans to simulate the warmth of the Sun or the cold of Neptune.