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07 Jan 2024
Creators Spotlight Permalink

Mennat Allah Salama

January 7, 2024
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Please give us an overview of your background, what inspired you to get into immersive tech, and your journey into the VR industry.

I originally studied architectural engineering and was first introduced to VR during my bachelor’s degree, when I used Google Cardboard. I found it fascinating to be able to immerse myself in a space and understand the built environment better through VR.

Later, I pursued a master’s degree in digital culture, which gave me a newer introduction to extended reality (XR) technologies. We learned about applications like using VR/AR in museums, galleries, and storytelling – it opened my eyes to many more uses of these technologies beyond architecture.

For my master’s thesis project, I worked on an augmented reality game/app called AUGI that was meant to be implemented in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The goal was to create an interactive experience for visitors to engage with the exhibits and spaces in new ways. Unfortunately, this project ended up being stolen and turned into a TV series without my team being given any credit.

Currently, I am working on my own augmented reality product called AR Cards, which can be used for education, habit-building, and more. I taught myself Spark AR to build this project. I aim to find innovative ways to make spaces and experiences more interactive and engaging using XR and gamification, merging my architecture background with immersive tech.

I’m excited to continue on this journey of bringing my passions together through the power of immersive technologies. I see great potential in using technologies like AR and VR to preserve culture and make learning more accessible and engaging.

 

What were some of the biggest challenges you experienced while on any project?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was that I needed to be a developer. When I first started working in XR, I was collaborating with developers and it was hard in the beginning to understand all the technical aspects. A lot of what I learned was self-taught, so some of the bigger concepts were difficult and I struggled to communicate with the developers to find common ground on how things work.

Another thing that happens a lot is that there are very few XR experts in Egypt. So when I would talk to people about my ideas or using VR/AR, they needed to fully believe in what I was doing or say it was not applicable. But then I would go and make it happen anyway, and that gave me some satisfaction to prove it’s possible with this technology.

People here tend to believe more in tangible results than just words. If I tell you I can make a book interactive using AR, you won’t care at first. But if I show you a prototype demonstrating how your child could learn better by engaging with it, then you start listening. The tech is still fairly new here so not everyone understands how it can be used beyond gaming and entertainment.

Overall, the main challenges have been the technical limitations as someone not originally from a programming background, and getting buy-in from others unfamiliar with immersive tech’s capabilities. But pushing forward and proving these ideas can work shows what’s possible and helps get people on board. I’ve learned not to doubt myself and my concepts too much, because step-by-step I can make it a reality.

 

Can you tell us more about what you’re currently working on?

I’m currently focused on developing my new project called AR Cards, which was born out of the invaluable XR mentorship program. The mentors kindly guided me on protecting intellectual property given my museum misadventure – quite the eye-opener!

AR Cards began as an idea for multi-sensory cards to teach cultural heritage in an immersive way. The vision involved 3D printed parts, tactile features, audio, and augmented reality content woven together. However, I decided to simplify the first iteration – creating an engaging AR learning experience for children instead.

Having worked as a teaching assistant, I frequently saw students lose interest and disengage from stale classroom methods. Yet give them some colors and interactivity – they light up with curiosity! Modern kids are already glued to mobile devices anyway; we might as well spark that tech-savvy to nourish their young minds.

So the AR Cards blend education with a spirit of fun and discovery across ages. For overworked young adults, I’m also experimenting with “30-Minute Break” cards encouraging healthy habits. Scan for a random activity to give your mind a break!

I have digital demos and concepts ready but still need to finalize robust printing and packaging solutions to fully launch. I may test the childhood education decks with summer school students first before aligning the main release with school breaks next term.

My ultimate goal is to establish AR Cards as an adaptable edutainment platform promoting cultural awareness, architecture, creativity, and more. The potential impact of fusing my passions for arts, tech, and human progress thrills me as I continue developing the product line. I welcome any insights the community may offer! Please share your candid thoughts.

What’s your vision for the future of VR? 

I envision that in the future, VR and AI will become extremely close partners, like best buddies. I imagine we will have the capability to generate highly detailed, real-time 3D immersive environments directly in VR just from text prompts. AI will be able to take text descriptions and rapidly convert them into fully interactive 360-degree spaces that users can explore.

For example, AI could analyze a text description of a lush forest and automatically create a vivid, life-like forest environment in VR that you could walk through and interact with. The AI would generate all the trees, plants, animals, textures, lighting, physics, and sounds that bring the forest to life based on the text, without needing manual 3D modeling.

This fusion of VR and AI could accelerate design and creative workflows. Instead of painstakingly modeling every object by hand, creators will be able to simply describe environments, characters, and objects with text and AI will handle generating fully detailed 3D assets and scenes. This will allow for rapid prototyping and iteration of ideas in VR.

VR will provide an immersive first-person 3D environment while AI acts as a creative partner, building out that environment from text prompts. There is huge potential for back-and-forth synergies between VR and AI. For example, exploring an AI-generated VR scene could provide data to refine the AI’s models. Or creators could prototype ideas quickly in VR by voice and hand gestures, with AI assisting dynamically.

We should see this deep integration of AI and VR sooner rather than later. In some ways, AI can amplify human creativity by handling tedious manual tasks like 3D modeling. This could free us to focus on a higher-level creative direction. The melding of VR and AI can open new creative possibilities and allow ideas and imagination to be made immersive at speeds not otherwise possible. It’s an exciting future with AI and VR enhancing each other’s capabilities to redefine immersive experiences. That is my vision for the innovative possibilities ahead.

 

What parts of the VR industry do you think need to be changed? Why?

Well, thinking about the VR industry, there are a couple of areas where I see a need for significant change. First and foremost, it’s all about accessibility. You know, when I think about the work in museums and making things accessible, I can’t help but notice a huge gap in the accessibility of XR in general. This isn’t just about using the technology, but also about the knowledge and availability of the equipment, like VR headsets. It should be more widely used, especially in places like Egypt that are bursting with culture and history.

And then, there’s the cost factor. Unfortunately, VR headsets are really expensive here, which makes it tough for everyone to get involved with VR. It’s not just about owning a headset; it’s about being part of this immersive experience that VR offers. When the cost becomes a barrier, it limits the technology’s reach and impact. We need to make VR more accessible both in terms of understanding how to use it and making it affordable for a wider range of people. That’s how we can truly tap into the potential of VR.

 

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

I feel that privacy and ethics are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace at which technology is evolving. The definitions of privacy and ethics have had to adapt significantly in recent times.

While we have been fascinated by AI’s capabilities, many artists are criticizing it because their art was used without consent to train AI models. This raises ethical questions. Did we make a mistake by openly sharing creative work online? Or was the core issue that some unethically took and used content without permission?

I believe we need to find ways to compensate artists whose work was utilized without consent. There should be agreements requiring consent for using creative work to train algorithms. This is new legal territory. With emerging technologies, we may not fully grasp terms and conditions.

I hope we can establish a global tech ethics organization to define standards and regulate new technologies. Laws are unable to keep pace with the speed of technological disruption.

We click to agree to things without reading privacy policies or understanding what we are consenting to. It is an issue of necessity – we require certain apps and platforms regardless of data use concerns. Raising awareness of privacy issues is helpful, but finding ethical alternative technologies could be more impactful.

People are aware some policies are not ideal but use problematic services anyway out of need and convenience. More than raising privacy awareness, we must promote awareness of finding ethical alternatives to dominant technologies that capitalize on personal data.

It is a two-way street – we can opt out of services but require equivalent alternatives. I hope for stronger regulations and consumer protections as technology rapidly progresses. We must build ethics into innovations to prevent the exploitation of people’s creativity and data.

 

What advice do you have for people (entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, and students) looking to enter the XR industry? And how can they best position themselves for success?

Surround yourself with a community and like-minded people even if you’re self-learning. Having others to collaborate with makes learning faster – you can teach each other, troubleshoot together, and keep motivated. Don’t doubt yourself too much or think you can’t succeed. With a strong support network, you can evolve and accomplish your goals.

XR is a whole new creative medium with lots of potential for expressionism and innovation. Don’t be afraid to relentlessly experiment, iterate, and try things – that’s how we learn. The process takes time but it’s rewarding. Whatever you create is worth sharing, so have an online presence to showcase your work.

Build up an online portfolio and share your projects, even flawed attempts – it helps others learn. Be open about what you don’t know and reach out to people for help. Mentors are willing to advise without anything in return. Making connections is key to gaining knowledge, collaborations, and jobs.

 

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

The most important mentors I’ve had are professors from my master’s program as well as mentors from the XR Inclusion Mentorship Program.

During my master’s, I had three professors who encouraged me to explore new ideas and not limit my curiosity. This was refreshing because I’m often told my thinking is too unorthodox. 

They pushed me to research concepts, create proofs of concepts to validate ideas and document processes – even failed ones – to help others learn. I met them simply by taking their classes, but they left a lasting impact on my approach.

In the XR Inclusion Program, mentors like Lorraine, Taylor, Daniel, Michael, and others were invaluable. Though busy experts, they made time to guide me beyond the program hours. Their advice helped me see my project in a bigger business context. Multiple mentors sincerely told me I could turn my project into a brand or small business. Hearing this from seasoned professionals gave me confidence and expanded my vision.

The mentors’ encouragement kept me motivated when I doubted myself. Their technical guidance also helped me learn new skills like Spark AR. I gained confidence in my capabilities thanks to their support. The most poignant takeaway was the mentors’ generosity with their time and care for my growth. This inspired me to one day pay it forward and mentor others starting when I have more experience.

Overall, the XR Inclusion Program was transformative. The tailored advice and network made me feel my ideas and work had real potential. I learned to think boldly about where my projects could go and not limit my imagination. My skills with XR tools grew exponentially thanks to expert guidance. Most importantly, the program gave me lifelong connections in the XR community that I can turn to for advice anytime. I’m extremely grateful for the game-changing opportunity this mentorship provided.

 

What’s your favorite inspirational quote? What about the quote inspires you?

“A jack of all trades is a master of none but oftentimes is better than a master of one.”

I think it’s because I can relate to that. You don’t have to be great at everything, but having a diverse background and varied interests can help you have a wider perspective and a deeper understanding of things and life in general. This will eventually open unexpected doors for you. So just enjoy having multiple talents, as long as you’re willing to put in the effort. Not everyone is capable of hyper-focusing on only one thing.

 

Find Mennat on LinkedIn, Instagram and learn more about her Website

 

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org.

Foundations for an Inclusive XR Startup (click on image)

11 Oct 2023
Creators Spotlight Permalink

Juan Manuel Codó

October 11, 2023
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Please give us an overview of your background, what inspired you to get into immersive tech, and your journey into the VR industry.

I originally studied graphic design at the prestigious University of Buenos Aires program, which gave me a strong foundation in visual communication and design principles. Though I didn’t realize it at the time, my pathway into the world of virtual reality truly began when I started working on website design projects after finishing university.

Creating websites required me to deeply consider the user experience – how people would interact with and navigate the site. I had to focus intensely on details like mouse hovering, clicking, inputs, and how to guide the user journey. While websites tapped into my graphic design skills, I was drawn to crafting these user interactions. It awakened something in me that I wasn’t consciously seeking out at the time.

My early website design work opened up an unexpected new pathway into the world of animation and 3D graphics. I soon transitioned into working for various creative studios in Buenos Aires which allowed me to cultivate my natural fascination with computer imagery. I found great joy in crafting 3D environments, assets, and motion graphics, though I did not focus on complex character animation. My projects for television channels required mastering CGI and motion graphic animation to bring visual concepts to life. For instance, I had the opportunity to produce broadcast packaging and branding for Turner Broadcasting’s channels, which enabled me to hone my talents for vibrant 3D work. This early foundation prepared me well for what was to come later in my fascination with virtual worlds.

While I had strayed from my initial interactivity instincts, the seeds had been planted during my website work. Several years ago, my business partner and I realized we had to pivot our studio’s offerings to remain competitive in a crowded market. After some unsuccessful experimenting, we decided to craft an early virtual reality prototype to expand our capabilities.

This first independent project was a non-interactive, stereoscopic 360-degree film called The Last Dream that users could visually immerse themselves in. It was extremely basic technically but awoke my passion for VR’s unique immersive strengths. Most importantly, this speculative demo reel piece ended up grabbing the attention of an agency in Canada that hired us to work on an interactive VR project called Homestay.

Homestay for the National Film Board of Canada became my baptism by fire into real VR development. The agency required us to use Unity, which my team had almost no experience with. The technical hurdles of bringing our artistic assets into a game engine felt immense. I’ll never forget the pains of trying to replicate our carefully crafted 3D work inside the interactive Unity environment. We desperately tried to mimic the original look and feel, but the translation was awful in those early phases.

What were some of the biggest challenges you experienced while on any project?

Without a doubt, that initial struggle to adapt our workflow on Homestay was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career. In many ways, it was like learning 3D animation all over again. Interactive VR adds many layers of complexity versus linear filmmaking. Suddenly we had to think about scene optimization, draw distances, frame rates, user testing, accessibility prompts…the list felt endless

The core problem was getting assets from traditional 3D software like Cinema 4D to work properly once imported into Unity. We’d model these intricate graphics and environments, but they would look atrocious once brought into the game engine. It was demoralizing to see our hard work distorted and broken. We had to problem-solve issues like textures not appearing correctly, wonky lighting, objects colliding unexpectedly, and simple animations tanking the framerate.

The only way we powered through was by maintaining constant communication with the agency’s development team. They provided invaluable direction and code solutions that slowly got us closer to mimicking the original quality. We probably sent hundreds of build versions back and forth for testing and tweaking. No matter how frustrated I got, I forced myself to embrace it as a necessary learning process. The end reward was developing core competencies for tackling interactive projects moving forward.

Can you tell us more about what you’re currently working on?

Studio Soup is currently working hard to develop an educational VR experience called Astro Park that allows users to engage with astronomy principles through entertaining mini-games. Users navigate this virtual galaxy-themed park full of interactive attractions that secretly teach core astronomic concepts. For example, one mini-game called Newton has you alter simulated gravity levels to launch different-sized asteroids into orbit around planetary targets. This creatively reinforces the impact of gravitational forces.

We’ve been iterating on Astro Park for over two years now after initially conceiving it during quarantine. I’ve always been fascinated by astronomy, so I imagined how exciting it could be to combine learning about the cosmos with the interactivity and sense of presence only VR can provide. Early prototypes showed promise, so we recently rebuilt the entire project from the ground up to truly do the concept justice.

Bringing educational content to life requires even more careful user experience considerations than typical entertainment-focused VR. Our goal is to design interactions and challenges that feel magical and engaging but secretly impart knowledge along the way. When you make learning fun and interactive, the educational content sticks. We’ve playtested Astro Park extensively with friends and family of all ages, and it’s extremely fulfilling to see how absorbed they become while mastering principles they previously struggled with.

I sincerely believe VR has immense power to make education more experiential, immersive, and enjoyable. Astro Park represents the first step on a journey I’m committed to keep exploring. Whenever you can successfully blend learning with moments of wonder, you unlock something special. That sense of curiosity and discovery is at the heart of what excites me about VR’s potential.

What’s your vision for the future of VR? 

Based on the rapid hardware advancements I’ve witnessed first-hand, I believe mixed reality will be a dominant transitional stage as the technology evolves further. Major players like Apple and Meta are investing heavily in this hybrid approach that overlays virtual elements into your actual surroundings. I think for many consumers, blended reality will feel like a safer first step compared to being fully immersed in a synthetic world.

The ability to anchor digital objects and information into your real-time environment has incredible utility across sectors. But adding that spatial awareness and freedom of movement takes it to another level compared to current AR apps on phones or tablets. I can already envision some amazing possibilities for merging physical and virtual art installations as the tech advances.

But ultimately, I see mixed reality as a stepping stone on the road back to full VR immersion. Once headset comfort, graphical fidelity, and motion tracking improve even further, people will embrace total immersion again. I predict that within 10 years, headsets will look and feel like ordinary glasses or contacts. At that point, innovators like myself can finally explore the highest potential of simulated environments and experiences.

When technological constraints disappear, our only limit will be creativity. I firmly believe VR still holds secrets yet to be uncovered that will transform how we interact with computers and information. We’ve only scratched the surface.

What parts of the VR industry do you think need to be changed? Why?

VR is still in an early stage right now, it’s coming fast for sure and everyone knows now that it is a format that is here to stay. There is still a lot to work on to establish standards across the industry. For example, on the input side – are we going to settle on using touch controllers, or will we eventually just use our hands? We need clear universal rules in VR or else user frustration creeps in. Right now there are like 4 different ways to walk or teleport in VR games and apps.

On the business side, we need to figure out how to better monetize VR creations. The market is fragmented across Meta, Steam, Pico, and more. I’d love to see a new unified platform emerge that brings together all the players, because that’s how you attract more consumers and call the attention of big brands with budgets to fund projects. More users plus more brand investment equals bigger productions and a healthier ecosystem overall.

But overall I’m quite optimistic about where VR is heading. We have to enjoy the ride and grow alongside this amazing immersive and interactive format. VR reminds me every day why I got excited about interactivity and 3D graphics in the first place. Sure there are complex challenges still ahead, but if we collaborate and set standards that put users first, the future is tremendously bright for VR. I can’t wait to see how the industry evolves in the coming years!

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

With the proliferation of cameras and sensors required for VR and AR, very real privacy questions have emerged that deserve thoughtful debate. As an early adopter, I’ve been willing to overlook potential downsides because the technology genuinely inspires and empowers me creatively.
However, I realize many consumers feel less comfortable with the idea of headsets mapping their behaviors, physical spaces, facial expressions, etc. The unknowns around how all that data could be exploited make people hesitant. I do agree companies have an ethical duty to be fully transparent about how they handle and secure user data. Trust is paramount.

At the same time, I would argue privacy concerns around headsets are not altogether new. Smartphones already contain many sensors and cameras that can be invasive if misused. Every technology carries potential benefits and risks. I hope that prudent privacy policies could allow us to enjoy VR’s creative positives while mitigating the negatives.

I don’t consider myself an alarmist on these issues, but I also acknowledge more public debate is needed. I’m willing to sacrifice some privacy in return for the tools VR provides my craft. But consumers deserve to make that choice for themselves based on transparent information from manufacturers. Trust and good corporate stewardship will ultimately determine if VR achieves mainstream success. I think some solutions responsibly address privacy while also unleashing VR’s potential.

What advice do you have for people (entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, and students) looking to enter the XR industry? And how can they best position themselves for success?

My first piece of advice is simply to plunge into creating as soon as you can. Don’t get trapped in analysis paralysis. There are plenty of accessible VR/AR creative tools out there for beginners like Spark AR, Lens Studio, or 8th Wall. Experimenting with these will expose you to many core challenges that carry over to advanced projects. The only way to build familiarity is through active creation attempts.

On the technical side, I’d advise focusing your learning on Unity as the primary interactive 3D development platform. Mastering how to import assets, customize materials, code behaviors, and optimize scenes will equip you with the core skills needed for XR content creation. Of course, this requires diligence and patience to learn. Be willing to make lots of small test projects to acquaint yourself with the workflow rather than attempting some towering first endeavor.

However, I always emphasize that technical prowess should complement, not override, creative vision and storytelling. Wonderful user experiences transform technological potential into something meaningful. Treat your initial VR experiments as opportunities to explore what types of narratives and interactions truly speak to you. Let your creative instincts guide the path as you refine your technical skills.

Lastly, summon the courage to fail often and see each failure as a valuable lesson rather than a defeat. VR development is a constant balancing act of trial and error. Embrace the journey of incremental problem-solving. Perfection comes from accumulating many imperfect attempts. Stay resolute through setbacks and trust the process of iterative growth through experience. If you persist through failure positively, you will ultimately achieve success.

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

I didn’t have any specific mentors per se, but I learned invaluable lessons from coworkers and peers over the years. The collaborative studio environments exposed me to many talented individuals with diverse skill sets. It was often through side-by-side collaboration, seeing how others approached challenges, that taught me the most.

For example, during the demanding Homestay project, I learned so much from the developers at the agency we partnered with. Their guidance and code solutions were critical to overcoming the hurdles of bringing our artistic vision into an interactive Unity environment. I’m thankful that the agency put its trust in us and forced us to push our technical competencies further.

I’ve also learned a great deal from the many remarkable artists I’ve had the privilege to work with on VR projects. Seeing how they envision ideas and translate them responsibly into virtual experiences has shaped my perspective. Collaborations with innovative artists like Leandro Erlich have enabled me to find new intersections between technology and creativity for example the Swimming Pool. Rather than formal mentors, I’ve been fortunate to learn from so many gifted peers over an exciting career. Their diverse talents and commitment to innovation by doing have profoundly impacted my outlook and abilities.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I genuinely believe virtual reality holds secrets yet to be uncovered that will positively transform society and human creativity. Even after a decade of working professionally in VR, new possibilities and applications still inspire me daily.

I advise the next generation of VR innovators and developers to push the boundaries relentlessly. Never settle for replicating what already exists in other mediums. Strive to unlock VR’s true participatory power that transcends passive observation. When you have a presence within a virtual environment, you gain the ability to explore difficult concepts in profoundly deeper ways. Find ways to harness that hidden power to drive human imagination and progress.

At its core, I view VR as a tool to expand what it means to be human. Our senses and realities are not fixed—VR grants us the ability to temporarily transcend physical and mental constraints in service of creativity. Even in its primitive form today, VR development has tremendously pushed my imagination and skills. I hope in some small way my life’s work contributes to fulfilling VR’s vast untapped potential. We stand on the cusp of a creative revolution. The future remains unwritten—let’s build it together.

What’s your favorite inspirational quote? What about the quote inspires you?

Sagan’s Cosmos dazzled me with poetic overviews of the universe’s grandeur.

More than any quote, his outlook resonated with me. He embodied tireless curiosity and reverence for nature’s wonders. Sagan saw each day as a chance to understand our vast cosmos. This eternal student mindset still motivates me.

Sagan elucidated complex concepts through vivid metaphors. He conveyed the magnificent scale from galaxies to cells. I aim to capture that sense of wonder in my latest project, Astro Park.

VR can transport us beyond boundaries, revealing deeper truths. Sagan awoke this potential in me. We have only scratched the surface of what immersive worlds could enable.

 

Find Juan on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and learn more about his Website

 

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org.

Foundations for an Inclusive XR Startup (click on image)

13 Jun 2023
Creators Spotlight No Comments Permalink

Eugy Han

June 13, 2023 No Comments
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Please give us an overview of your background, what inspired you to get into immersive tech, and your journey into the VR industry.

My name is Eugy Han, and I am currently a third-year Ph.D. candidate in Communication at Stanford University. I have the privilege of working at the Virtual Human Interaction Lab under the guidance of Professor Jeremy Bailenson. Prior to this, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive Science at Brown University, where I had the opportunity to work at the Virtual Environment Navigation Lab with Professor William Warren.

My journey into the VR industry has been influenced by my unique background as a Third Culture Kid. Growing up, my parents, who are Korean, moved to various countries, and I had the opportunity to experience different cultures and languages. This upbringing instilled in me a sense of curiosity and adaptability, allowing me to embrace diverse perspectives and experiences.

As a child, I developed a deep love for science fiction literature, which sparked my imagination and opened my mind to the possibilities of virtual reality. Reading about futuristic worlds and advanced technologies inspired me to explore the intersection of technology and human experiences. Despite not having early access to advanced technology, my curiosity and passion for understanding the mind and the brain drove me to learn more about the potential of immersive technologies.

During my teenage years, I began writing my own short stories, creating virtual worlds and characters within my imagination. These creative endeavors further nurtured my passion for storytelling and fueled my interest in exploring immersive technologies as a medium for narrative expression.

When I entered my undergraduate studies at Brown University, I took advantage of the interdisciplinary opportunities available to me. I enrolled in courses that ranged from computer science to art, literature to psychology. This diverse academic exposure allowed me to understand virtual reality from multiple perspectives and broaden my understanding of its potential applications.

While at Brown University, I had the invaluable opportunity to work at the Virtual Environment Navigation Lab with Professor William Warren. This experience exposed me to various VR headsets and research methodologies used to study human behavior and cognition within virtual environments. Working alongside Professor Warren, I witnessed the transformative power of virtual reality and its potential to shape our understanding of human perception and interaction.

Motivated by my experiences and fueled by a desire to further explore the possibilities of immersive technologies, I made the decision to pursue a Ph.D. in Communication at Stanford University. Joining Professor Jeremy Bailenson’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab was a dream come true for me. It allowed me to delve deeper into the study of VR, its impact on individuals and society, and its potential for shaping virtual cultures and social norms.

As I continue my journey in the VR industry, I carry with me the perspective of a Third Culture Kid. My upbringing has instilled in me a strong sense of empathy, adaptability, and a desire to bridge cultural gaps through technology. I am excited to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the VR industry and explore how immersive technologies can create meaningful experiences and positive change, both in developed and developing regions of the world.

What were some of the biggest challenges you experienced while on any project?

One of the significant challenges I encountered during my projects was the intricate balance between passion and burnout. It is crucial to recognize that even projects we love can become overwhelming due to logistical demands and the need for extensive hours and attention. There is no guarantee that our initial passion will remain constant throughout the project’s duration. Acknowledging that hard work is indeed challenging and feeling tired does not mean losing our enthusiasm or dedication is essential for maintaining our mental health. Therefore, I consider the most significant challenges I faced to be primarily cognitive.

One particular project I recently worked on involved sending 100 and then 200 Meta Quest 2 headsets to students in our lab. The objective was to study group interactions within virtual reality (VR) and observe how those dynamics changed over an extended period. The project presented numerous logistical challenges as we had to manage around 300 individuals over two years, including training, troubleshooting, and gathering feedback on their experiences with the VR headsets. Additionally, the ever-changing landscape of VR technology posed challenges in terms of coordinating with developers and teams that may no longer exist in the future. VR research requires extensive coordination and organization due to its dynamic nature. While exciting, it also demands a significant amount of work, necessitating the involvement of a team rather than an individual effort.

Regarding the specific project mentioned, we have made significant progress. The findings from this endeavor have been published in a top journal within my field, and the research comprises two studies—one focusing on avatar appearance and the other on virtual environments. We have gathered a substantial amount of data, which has been divided among different colleagues in the lab. Each colleague is responsible for analyzing a specific aspect of the data, such as motion data, language data, creative expression, or the design process within VR. Our ultimate goal is to publish impactful papers that reach both researchers and individuals interested in the field, fostering communication among users, developers, and industries. Additionally, being located in proximity to various industries, our lab aims to provide research that can inform their development processes and influence policy decisions.

While my current focus has shifted away from locomotion research, as I primarily conducted that work during my undergraduate studies, I am gradually re-engaging with motion data. My previous research on crowd movement and following crowds delved into low-level aspects like turning angles and distances. Although I have diverse interests and ideas at the moment, I anticipate returning to locomotion research in the future. Overall, my projects encompass a range of intriguing areas, and I’m constantly exploring new avenues of research and innovation.

Can you tell us more about what you’re currently working on?

Currently, I am engaged in a project focused on exploring creativity in virtual reality (VR). The project delves into the ways people express their creativity within VR environments and aims to understand and measure creativity in 3D virtual spaces. I am particularly interested in investigating whether different individuals demonstrate unique modes of creative expression in VR.

The motivation behind this project stems from the widespread notion that VR offers immense potential for creation and creativity. However, despite this common belief, we lack a comprehensive understanding of what creativity in VR truly entails. Thus, my research seeks to fill this gap and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this area.

The project has already been presented at ICA (the International Communication Association), and it poses several thought-provoking questions. How do people express creativity in VR? How can we grasp the essence of creativity within virtual environments? Is it possible to quantify creative outputs in VR? By examining various 3D creations produced by individuals in VR, I aim to shed light on these inquiries and unravel the multifaceted nature of creativity in this context.

While I have been working on multiple projects simultaneously, this particular project has occupied a significant portion of my time for several months. As I am pursuing a five to six-year program for my Ph.D., I am currently entering the later stages of my studies. Upon completion of my Ph.D., I hope to remain in academia and establish my laboratory or work as a professor, allowing me to further explore and contribute to the field of VR and creativity.

What’s your vision for the future of VR? 

In my opinion, the future of VR lies in the convergence of suitable technology and compelling content. I anticipate VR being utilized for specific purposes rather than encompassing every aspect of life. Some potential applications could include meaningful social connections, unique information visualization, and training individuals in various hard and soft skills. While I hesitate to provide specific examples, I believe VR could greatly enhance socializing, team meetings, and other scenarios that benefit from immersive experiences. It’s essential to recognize that VR is not a solution for everything, but it does offer a multitude of promising use cases.

What parts of the VR industry do you think need to be changed? Why?

In the VR industry, certain aspects could benefit from change and consideration for long-term impact. One important factor is the need for more mindfulness and reflection on the potential positive and negative effects of VR products on individuals and society as a whole. Currently, there is a significant focus on development and technological capabilities, often overlooking the broader implications.

When building VR products, it is crucial to step back and analyze how they will influence people in the long run and on a large scale. This entails considering the ethical and societal dimensions of VR experiences and interactions. Unfortunately, this aspect tends to be overshadowed when the primary focus is on engineering capabilities and increasing user engagement.

In any industry, including VR, it is essential to engage in conversations about what is ethically sound and morally good. These discussions should guide decision-making and drive efforts to create products that align with positive values. This perspective applies not only to the VR industry but also to any domain where the impact of technology on people’s lives is significant.

In summary, the VR industry should prioritize long-term implications, foster ethical considerations, and ensure that the development and utilization of VR technology align with positive values. This approach will lead to a more responsible and beneficial advancement of the industry as a whole.

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

Privacy and ethics are crucial considerations in today’s technological landscape. While there are ongoing efforts from both the industry and research communities, there is always room for improvement and further exploration of these topics.

Currently, privacy and ethics may not receive as much attention as they deserve, but it is essential to raise awareness and prioritize these issues in various spaces. It’s encouraging to see initiatives like Apple’s New Vision Pro taking steps to enhance security and protect sensitive data, such as iris data, from third-party access. This kind of focus on privacy is commendable.

In addition to industry efforts, there is ongoing research aimed at improving identifiability and strengthening privacy and security measures for data. Researchers are working on developing innovative approaches to address these concerns. It’s promising to witness both industry and academia acknowledging the importance of privacy and ethics and actively taking steps to address them.

Overall, there seems to be a reasonable balance between awareness, research, and industry efforts in the realm of privacy and ethics. However, continuous improvement and exploration are necessary to keep pace with the evolving technology landscape and ensure that privacy and ethical considerations remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

What advice do you have for people (entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, and students) looking to enter the XR industry? And how can they best position themselves for success?

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

My most important mentors have been Bill Warren, who was my undergraduate advisor, and Jeremy Bailenson, my current advisor during my graduate studies. They have played a crucial role in my academic journey and have been incredibly supportive and kind

Bill Warren is the Director of the Virtual Environment Navigation Lab (VENLab) at our institution. He provided guidance and mentorship during my undergraduate years, helping me navigate through the early stages of my education and research interests.

Jeremy Bailenson, my current advisor, has been instrumental in shaping my graduate studies and research focus. His expertise and guidance have been invaluable in expanding my knowledge and understanding of the field.

In addition to Bill and Jeremy, there have been other professors who have had a transformative impact on me during my undergraduate years. One notable mentor is Ali Momeni, who taught an exceptional VR class. He took us on a field trip to The New York Times, where we had the opportunity to meet the people involved in creating VR Daily Shorts at that time. It was an eye-opening experience that further fueled my passion for virtual reality.

I had the privilege of meeting these mentors in the academic setting. As professors within my institution, they provided guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for growth within the field of virtual reality.

Overall, the support, knowledge, and mentorship I received from Bill, Jeremy, and other professors have been invaluable in making my academic journey smoother and more comfortable. Their guidance and belief in my potential have played a significant role in my development as a researcher in the field of virtual reality.

What’s your favorite inspirational quote? What about the quote inspires you?

The book The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster is inspiring as a whole. A quote I really like from this book is, “If you want sense, you’ll have to make it yourself.” It’s a children’s book that makes more sense as an adult looking back. I think especially in this field you need to stay in touch with yourself and your prior selves (e.g., your child self), and one of the best ways to do that is by revisiting the stories that inspired you. This book was one of the most transformative for me in my childhood and now my adult self.

 

Find Eugy on LinkedIn, Twitter and learn more about her Website

 

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org.

Foundations for an Inclusive XR Startup (click on image)

02 May 2023
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Julian Reyes

May 2, 2023 No Comments
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Please give us an overview of your background, what inspired you to get into immersive tech, and your journey into the VR industry.

Born and raised in Colombia, my fascination with movies and film began at a young age, as they felt like the closest thing to magic. Alongside this passion, I developed an artistic inclination for drawing. Recognizing my talent, my mother enrolled me in drawing classes, marking the beginning of my lifelong devotion to the arts. Throughout junior high and high school, I continued to pursue artistic interests by drawing and attending art classes while also exploring other creative outlets such as music, breakdancing, and hip-hop, constantly seeking new ways to express my talents.

In college, I enrolled in a general studies program that allowed me to explore my talents further. I honed my drawing skills and focused on form and shadows. My aptitude for art led to my creation of an Advanced Portfolio Preparation program specifically designed for me. I discovered my preference for black-and-white drawings over color.

I had an epiphany while watching MTV’s Liquid Television program in my twenties. A 3D character interacting with a 2D surface caught my attention and reignited my passion for movies. Furthermore, it sparked a desire within me to pursue 3D animation. Bob Sabiston and his company, Flat Black Films, played a significant role in my decision to pursue this field. His early student films, such as “Grinning Evil Death” and “God’s Little Monkey,” were groundbreaking in combining 2D and 3D computer animation. I highly recommend watching Bob Sabiston’s “Steve Jobs’ Jobs” video to understand his innovative work better.

Following my college education, I worked for a company based in Orlando, Florida, that focused on producing demonstrative evidence for court trials. My responsibilities included creating 3D animations based on the evidence provided. This experience taught me the value of working creatively within structured guidelines.

I relocated to San Francisco in 1999 and worked in the field of Web 2.0 during the peak of the dot-com boom. Later, I joined Exponent, a company that specializes in Failure Analysis, where I focused on 3D animation. My role was to develop 3D animations that aided in investigating infrastructure failures and counterfeit goods.

During the mid-2000s, I established Keyframe Entertainment, where I acted as an executive producer for a compilation of electronic music and represented a variety of artists. Additionally, I served as the San Francisco representative for Ultra Music Festival. Although I succeeded, I still felt unfulfilled and decided to dedicate myself entirely to Keyframe Entertainment. I broadened my horizons by representing additional artists and launching a music label.

Recently, I redirected my attention from 3D animation to taking on the role of executive producer for a book called “Reinhabiting the Village.” The book outlines a plan for a brighter future using Indigenous knowledge, permaculture, and whole systems design as inspiration.

My journey took a significant twist when I learned about Oculus and the resurgence of virtual reality (VR). I put all my efforts into learning Unity 3D and got accepted into the Oculus Launch Pad and Oculus Start Programs. This allowed me to create VR demos and join Alt Ethos, a Denver-based company, where I conducted extensive research and development on the metaverse.

I have a successful track record as an AR Producer at Meta and currently offer top-notch XR, Web3, and world-building solutions as a part of my role at Metaverse Workshop. My unwavering dedication to creativity and deep understanding of emerging technologies enabled me to thrive in this field.

What were some of the biggest challenges you experienced while on any project?

It has been challenging to navigate the XR industry without a background in gaming or programming. Another challenge is explaining the vastness of the upcoming Metaverse to clients, as it has yet to develop fully. To properly begin a project, educating our client base on the correct usage of the term is essential, as there needs to be more mislabeling. It is similar to the early days of website creation when standards were established, and nobody knew what they were doing. We are at the beginning of an entirely new industry.

Can you tell us more about what you’re currently working on?

I’m excited to announce my speaking engagement at AWE on May 31st, where I’ll share my expertise on Mapping Immersive Worlds.

Metaverse Workshop is a leading provider of XR ideation and training sessions, product development, and support services. We specialize in assisting partners across various sectors, including healthcare, education, XR prototypes, and immersive city projects. Our primary objective is to help our partners achieve their goals and thrive in their respective industries.

What were some of the most considerable challenges you’ve faced while working in the VR industry? How did you overcome them?

On a technical level, as a producer, I’m always faced with the transferring of files, distribution, uploading experiences to headsets, and onboarding new users to VR. Of course, these challenges have specific solutions, but we will see better advancements in these areas as the industry matures.

On a business level, procuring clients can be challenging as many people need help understanding the capabilities of the technology. So, to educate our clients, I create detailed storyboards and prototypes and work toward an MVP.

Overall, navigating the technical and business aspects of VR production can be challenging. Still, with a strategic approach and a willingness to adapt to new developments, I am confident that we can continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in this exciting and rapidly evolving industry.

What’s your vision for the future of VR? 

 The future of VR lies in a fully realized metaverse created by user-generated content and AI. The Metaverse is a virtual world that offers unparalleled immersion and scope, enabling people to engage, socialize, and create in ways impossible in our physical world. User-generated content is already a significant aspect of the VR landscape, allowing users to customize their virtual environments for a more personalized experience. However, with AI’s automated content generation and curation, we can elevate this to the next level, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving metaverse. Combining user-generated content and AI can erase the boundary between virtual and physical reality, providing people with new experiences and the ability to switch between the two seamlessly.

What parts of the VR industry do you think need to be changed? Why?

The VR industry’s distribution pipeline needs improvement to address developers’ content delivery challenges. The current system needs to be more bureaucratic and time-consuming, which can significantly deter developers. However, we can confidently tackle this problem by implementing a more efficient and straightforward distribution process that simplifies the delivery of VR content. By making it easier for developers to reach users, we can foster innovation and accelerate growth in the industry.

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

I have been contemplating privacy and ethics for quite some time. As a member of the XR-Guild, a group of professionals in XR, Spatial Computing, and Web3 who uphold ethical standards, I strongly believe in fairness and accessibility. It is crucial to protect vulnerable groups, such as individuals with disabilities, older people, and children. Surprisingly, some parents allow young children to explore VR worlds without supervision. Platforms should take more measures to reduce this risk. To ensure privacy, educating the public is essential. Everyone must understand that social media sites are not public utilities but businesses that profit from users’ data. Thus, educating today’s children is vital to creating a safe metaverse, as they will be future professionals.

What advice do you have for people (entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, and students) looking to enter the XR industry? And how can they best position themselves for success?

Collaboration is critical to success in the XR industry. Seamless integration of various skills is essential for creating successful VR and AR projects. Aspiring XR professionals must possess excellent communication, teamwork, and technical and creative skills. In addition, staying up-to-date with the latest hardware and software tools and industry trends is crucial for success.

Practical experience and valuable connections can be gained by participating in hackathons, game jams, and community events. Attending conferences and online communities to network with leaders and peers in the industry is also crucial. Invaluable insights and guidance can be obtained through mentorship, aiding individuals in advancing their careers.

For entrepreneurs aspiring to succeed in the XR industry, building strong teams, staying informed, and developing essential skills are necessary. By adhering to these tips, individuals can position themselves for success in this rapidly evolving field.

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

 Scott Macdonald was my first 3D animation teacher in the mid-’90s and taught me the basics of 3D animation using the Electric Image Animation System. I am very grateful for his teachings.

Right out of college, Robert Scott from Juris Corporation recruited me to work on 3D animations for court trials. These years were formative because I learned much about project management, presentations, and delivering top-quality projects at the highest level, creating animations that couldn’t be refuted in court.

Chad Lonberger of ModeTwo was my Unity3D teacher. His teachings were integral in my VR journey from a technical perspective and strategic and tactical ways of looking at VR development, file management, and project delivery to HMDs.

I am also grateful to Lewey Geselowitz for his vision and patience. He has helped me along my XR journey in many ways, primarily through inspiration

What’s your favorite inspirational quote? What about the quote inspires you? 

M.C. Escher. “We adore chaos because we love to produce order.”

I find it inspiring that life has endless possibilities, and beauty can be found in various forms.

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Yes, thank you for making that space available. I want to express my gratitude to all of the fantastic women in our tech industry and those who have supported me along my journey by speaking at my events or granting me the time to chat and collaborate. Some of the women who come to mind are Evo Heyning of Realitycraft, Karen Alexander, Dulce Baerga (a long-time college friend and early tech adopter), Georgina Wellman, Scarlett Arana, Sonya Haskins, Sophia Moshasha, Celeste Lear, Emily Olman, Cathay Hackl, Robin Moulder, Amy Peck, Caitlin Krause, Leila Amirsadeghi, Amy LaMeyer, Julie Smithson, Fifer Garbesi, Lisa Padilla, Paige Dasinger, Cynthia Crabtree, Brianna Amore, Lisi Linares, Liz Sparber, Rosario Casas, and so many more trailblazers.

I am honored to be part of the XR industry, full of visionary and influential women leading the charge toward a better future. Most importantly, I want to thank Natacha Pavlov, who helped me generate unique content at my company, Keyframe-Entertainment.”

Lastly, a vital project I am honored to share is the book “Reinhabiting the Village,” which utilizes principles of indigenous knowledge, community building, art, and permaculture to map a better tomorrow for our planet.

Thanks again for the opportunity to share part of my journey!

 

Discover Julian on LinkedIn and explore his VR portfolio to gain insight into his company, Metaverse Workshop

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org.

04 Apr 2023
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Michael Markman

April 4, 2023 No Comments
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Please give us an overview of your background, what inspired you to get into immersive tech, and your journey into the VR industry.

While in college, I majored in computer science and worked as a full-stack engineer intern at a company. Halfway through school, I realized my passion was in design, which led me to transition my major to UX and product design. My journey into the VR industry began shortly after graduating college in 2016 when I attended a hackathon and had the opportunity to use the Oculus Rift and Motion Leap technology, creating an extraordinary immersive experience. This pivotal Moment XR sparked my obsession with virtual reality and its vast potential for learning and exploration.

Leveraging my background in design and a deep understanding of spatial relationships, I co-founded MomentXR, a company dedicated to making 3D designs more accessible for extended reality (XR) creators. In addition, we aimed to simplify and streamline the creative process for those working within the XR industry.

Eventually, I relocated to Barcelona to work for a pioneering virtual reality game studio called Mega Particles. The studio has been developing VR experiences since 2014 and has released an initial version of a game called Poker VR for the Gear VR platform. My role involved redesigning the game to incorporate hand tracking and 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) functionality, significantly enhancing the immersive qualities of the experience.

Aspiring to create mixed-reality art installations capable of transforming physical spaces using VR tools, I ventured into freelancing and artwork. My vision involved designing multi-user experiences allowing participants to explore these digital realms together. However, the onset of the pandemic derailed these plans, and I shifted my focus to remote collaboration solutions.

I joined a company called Arthur, which offered a virtual reality office platform designed for enterprise meetings and collaboration. As a designer, I spent nearly two years with Arthur, helping to develop and refine various features to create a seamless, fully digital office space. Our work attracted diverse clients, and we built some genuinely innovative features during my tenure.

Eventually, Inga from ShapesXR approached me, and I became one of their first beta testers. ShapesXR is a tool to address the fundamental challenge of designing within XR environments. The most effective way to design for XR is to create within the medium, and ShapesXR embodies this philosophy. As a result of my professional experience and the skills I gained at MomentXR, I was well-equipped to contribute to developing and refining ShapesXR’s innovative design tools.

What were some of the biggest challenges you experienced while on any project?

Throughout my experiences working on various projects, including Shapes XR, I have faced numerous challenges that required perseverance and adaptability. One of the most significant challenges was gaining traction and securing investors for Moments XR, particularly when the VR industry was experiencing a downturn. People quickly claimed that VR was dead, making it difficult to generate interest and investment. This period was undeniably challenging and disheartening.

Another substantial challenge arose from the technical aspects of working with 3D environments in projects like Shapes XR. Compared to 2D backgrounds, 3D ones introduced many potential issues and complexities. Designing, programming, and implementing 3D elements such as interactions, animations, and user interfaces demanded higher technical expertise, often leading to unforeseen complications. Moreover, we all faced high-pressure situations when deadlines approached, problems seemed to multiply, and project progress appeared to falter. These circumstances caused us to question our decisions and the overall direction of our projects.

Despite these hurdles, it is essential to recognize that each project, including Shapes XR, presents unique challenges. Success depends on our ability to prioritize tasks effectively, determine which features or improvements to tackle next, and remain persistent in the face of adversity. As we continue to develop and refine Shapes XR, we must focus on these strategies to advance and ultimately achieve our goals in the ever-evolving world of VR and beyond. By embracing these principles, we can overcome obstacles and create innovative, immersive experiences that push the boundaries of what is possible in virtual reality.

Can you tell us more about what you’re currently working on?

I’m happy to share more about the work my team and I have been focusing on, as well as the three new features we’ve recently launched:

Interactive Prototyping: We’ve developed a feature that allows users to create engaging and dynamic spaces within the virtual environment. We aim to make the design process more immersive and interactive, providing a richer user experience. Users can now build custom spaces with enhanced interactivity, which helps them showcase their projects and ideas more engagingly.

Figma Integration: We’ve also worked on seamless integration with Figma, a popular design tool. This allows users to import their Figma frames directly into our virtual reality platform and have their designs updated in real-time. This integration streamlines the design process by reducing the need to switch between different tools and fosters better collaboration between team members. Moreover, any changes to the Figma frames are automatically reflected in the virtual reality environment, ensuring up-to-date designs.

Holo Notes: Inspired by the holograms in Star Wars, we developed a feature called “Holo Notes,” which allows users to record a virtualized version of themselves and leave it as a comment or note within the scene. We see this as an innovative method of asynchronous collaboration that helps team members communicate more effectively, even when they’re unavailable simultaneously. In addition, users can record a personalized holographic message, providing feedback, suggestions, or guidance, which other team members can access later; this helps streamline the collaboration process and enhances communication among distributed teams.

The idea for Holo Notes emerged while we were brainstorming ways to take advantage of the advanced capabilities of the Quest Pro, such as eye-tracking and space for dressed avatars. In addition, we realized that allowing users to record avatars and leave them as notes could create a more immersive and interactive collaboration experience.

We’re confident these new features can transform the design and collaboration process, particularly for distributed teams. We can revolutionize how professionals collaborate on projects in the virtual environment by providing enhanced interactivity, seamless integration with design tools, and innovative asynchronous communication methods.

What were some of the most considerable challenges you’ve faced while working in the VR industry? How did you overcome them?

 I have faced significant challenges. One of the most prominent challenges is the constant cycle of hype and disappointment. It was incredibly hot when I first entered the VR industry, and everyone was getting funded left and right. However, after a year, around the end of 2017, it was like we were dead. The hype had dissipated, and people had moved on to other emerging technologies, like Bitcoin and ICOs.

 One of the most significant difficulties I’ve faced is dealing with people’s perception of VR, which can be influenced by uninformed hype cycles. For example, some believe that VR is dead, while others claim it’s the future. However, VR is a long-term play, and it’s not a matter of if it will succeed but rather when it succeeds.

 Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic about the future of VR. Over the years, the industry has made remarkable progress, with headsets becoming lighter, cheaper, and better. I remember when we had to carry around a giant gaming laptop and multiple sensors, and now we’ve come so far that we can hardly believe it.

 However, we still have to battle against people’s uninformed perceptions of VR. The industry keeps chugging forward, but the hype cycles can make it challenging to get people to understand the true potential of VR. Nevertheless, as someone in the industry for several years, I am confident that VR will stay and improve in the coming years.

What’s your vision for the future of VR? 

I’m so excited about spatial computing! It’s the future of computers and will eventually replace our phones, laptops, and desktops. It’s going to change the way we interact with technology and the way we interact with computers. It’s like a whole new world!

Think about how computers have evolved. From giant boxes to terminals to touch computing and mobile computing. Now, spatial computing is the ultimate next step, where interacting with the computer is the same as interacting with the world. It’s amazing!

Spatial computing will have a massive impact on how we live and work. Imagine a world where everyone has a VR headset or AR glasses. It will completely transform how we consume content, communicate with others, and interact with our environment. It’s going to be a game-changer.

In just ten years, spatial computing will be everywhere. Our children will wonder why we ever used screens when we could have them be there in 3D. It will be a completely spatial way of consuming content and interacting with technology, where the virtual and physical seamlessly blend.

I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of spatial computing. It will transform our lives and work in ways we can’t even imagine. I’m so excited to see where this technology will take us, and I can’t wait to be a part of the journey toward a more spatial computing future.

What parts of the VR industry do you think need to be changed? Why?

As someone who is deeply invested in the VR industry, one of the critical areas that need improvement is UX design. We must focus on making VR experiences more accessible and user-friendly so people can genuinely enjoy and benefit from them. This is something that Shapes XR, the company I work for, is committed to achieving.

The challenge with designing for VR is that it’s a relatively new field, and we still need to establish best practices. As a result, we need to rely heavily on testing and prototyping to figure out what works and what doesn’t. But that also makes it exciting – we can meaningfully shape how people interact with virtual environments.

Of course, hardware is also a critical part of the VR equation. We need to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible regarding resolution, latency, and other factors that impact the overall experience. But ultimately, I believe that UX design is the key to unlocking the full potential of VR. By making VR more intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable, we can help more people see this technology’s value and incorporate it into their lives meaningfully.

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

Privacy and ethics are of utmost importance in the realm of virtual reality. VR involves collecting and analyzing large amounts of biometric data, making establishing better privacy standards and ethical practices imperative.

The conversation about privacy should have occurred much earlier, and it’s essential to have it again as we switch computing platforms. Moreover, as we continue to develop technology, it’s crucial to consider the implications of its impact on privacy and ethical practices.

The Quest Pro is an excellent example of progress in this area. From a consumer’s perspective, it’s highly privacy-focused, with no access to data such as eye tracking or face tracking, and the streaming content in one’s room isn’t shared. However, I would like more camera data access to enhance designs as a developer. For example, in interior design, if we had access to the camera feed, we could extract color data from the real world, allowing us to use a color dropper tool to select colors.

In contrast, Quest 2 also lacks access to the camera feed, which makes sense from Meta’s perspective. As a developer, having access to such data could be beneficial, but as a consumer, it’s understandable that Meta made this decision.

Overall, we must take privacy and ethics seriously in VR. It’s our responsibility to build things more ethically, protect user data, and establish better privacy standards. Nevertheless, it’s encouraging to see progress being made, and it’s essential to continue discussing these issues to improve our understanding of the implications of technology on privacy and ethical practices

What advice do you have for people (entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, and students) looking to enter the XR industry? And how can they best position themselves for success?

As someone in the XR industry for some time, I advise entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, and students looking to enter this field to start making things. The industry is still in its early stages, so anything you create will be unique and have the potential to stand out. Post your work as much as possible and try to build a following, but don’t let setbacks discourage you. The more you create, the better you will become and the more confident you will make decisions.

Collaborating with others is also essential to success in the XR industry. Working with a team will help you learn from other’s experiences and perspectives, which can be invaluable in such a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Don’t be afraid to fail because it’s through failure that you learn and improve. And most importantly, keep trying and experimenting, especially after the challenges presented by the pandemic. The only way to fail is not to try, so keep making, sharing, and learning from your experiences.

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

I’ve been lucky to have a few important mentors in my career. One of them is Hamza Siddiqui, the company founder behind Poker VR. He’s always seen my potential and pushed me to improve and make cool things.

Lesley Klassen from Flipside XR is another mentor who has been influential in my career. We have similar ways of thinking about spatial design, and I always enjoy conversing with him.

Jonathan Gagne from Masterpiece VR is someone I’ve spoken to on and off, and he has inspired me greatly. One thing he said that stuck with me is that the goal is to be a little better each day.

While I wouldn’t necessarily call these people my mentors, they have inspired me, and I’ve had natural conversations with them. So that’s the underlying keyword here: inspiration.

What’s your favorite inspirational quote? What about the quote inspires you?

 

Find Michael on LinkedIn, Twitter and learn more about his company, Shapes

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org

08 Mar 2023
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Tristan Elizabeth Gribbin

March 8, 2023 No Comments
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Hi Tristan, thanks so much for joining us! To get started, please give us an overview of your background.

I was born and raised in Palo Alto, California, where I grew up in a laid-back environment. My mother and my stepfather were Stanford graduates, and my mother worked as an administrator at the university, which gave me ample opportunity to explore the campus and its surroundings as a child.

My father was a meditator who introduced me to meditation and Eastern philosophy from a young age. He often meditated with me and shared books, which sparked my lifelong fascination with meditation and mindfulness practices. During my teenage years, my family moved to Southeast Asia, where I lived for two years. During this time, I developed a fascination with Eastern philosophy and meditation. I was deeply moved by the temples and the teachings I encountered, and I read as many books as I could find on the subject.

After returning to California, I graduated from U.C. Santa Cruz with a degree in Theater Arts. I was passionate about acting and theater production and diligently pursued this career path. This took me to Ireland, where I lived for almost six years, immersing myself in the country’s rich cultural and artistic landscape.

While in Ireland, I first discovered the profound benefits of meditation and mindfulness. I was struck by how much more present and grounded I felt when I practiced these techniques, and I became convinced that more people should have access to these tools for greater well-being.

However, my love for Iceland drew me to the country, and I moved there in 1995. I fell in love with the nation’s vast and wild nature, which has become a great source of inspiration for me.

It wasn’t until 2000 that I discovered the profound benefits of meditation and mindfulness. During a nine-day meditation retreat, I experienced a big epiphany that opened up a new world. I felt rejuvenated, passionate, and alive and I wanted to share this experience with everyone around me. Everybody enjoyed this feeling, and meditation could be beneficial to everyone. However, people around me thought I was crazy, and it took 22 years for them to realize that I was onto something.

Today, I am a mindfulness and meditation practitioner, as well as a collaborator with my husband, who is a filmmaker. We work on various creative projects incorporating music and guided meditation to help people connect with their inner selves and find greater peace and clarity.

In summary, my background has been shaped by a deep curiosity and a desire to explore different cultures and ways of thinking. My time at UC Santa Cruz helped me develop a strong foundation in theater arts, and my journey has led me to discover the profound benefits of meditation and mindfulness, which I am passionate about sharing with others.

What inspired you to get into immersive tech? Please tell us a bit about your journey into the VR industry.

My journey into the V.R. industry was actually unexpected but very exciting. It all started when I joined the Startup Reykjavík community and was part of an accelerator program with a team, and we were working on creating a new kind of meditation platform. During the program, I was hired to do a voiceover for the Everest Experience in V.R. That was the first time I experienced V.R. myself. I was blown away by the immersive technology and its potential to help people learn meditation in a profound and impactful way.

From then on, I became increasingly interested in V.R. and its potential to create immersive and transformative experiences. Despite my initial skepticism, I realized that V.R. had the potential to reach people who may have otherwise been resistant to meditation and help them understand the benefits of meditation in a much deeper way.

So, we integrated V.R. into our meditation platform and created Flow, our flagship product. Through music, nature scenes, and guided meditation, we made a VR experience that was truly transformative for people.

It has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful to be a part of this emerging immersive technology market. V.R. has the potential to change people’s lives in profound ways, and I’m excited to be a part of this industry as it continues to grow and evolve.

What have been some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your journey with Flow, and how have you overcome them?

Our journey with Flow has been filled with challenges and obstacles, and we’ve had to overcome several hurdles to progress. One of our most significant challenges was securing funding to sustain our operations and growth. Like many startups, we faced difficulty finding the resources to take our vision from an idea to a reality. However, we tackled this obstacle by relying on accelerators, grants, and angel investors who believed in our vision and were willing to support us.

Another significant hurdle we had to overcome was getting into the B2B2C market and finding corporate subscribers who could benefit from our approach to meditation. We knew there was a demand for our system, but we had to work hard to establish ourselves in this space and grow our user base. This required a lot of effort and dedication, but with persistence, we could identify the right partners and collaborators who shared our vision.

Finding great collaborators and growing our team were also essential to our success. We needed to work with individuals who shared our vision and were passionate about our goal. By identifying the right people and building a solid team, we were able to navigate the challenges of monetization and market penetration in an emerging space. It wasn’t easy, but we remained committed to our vision and stayed the course until we could build a team to help us achieve our goals.

Finally, creating a movement around Flow was critical to overcoming our challenges. We knew we had something unique and valuable to offer our users, but we needed to build a community of like-minded individuals who shared our vision and mission. By doing so, we were able to gain momentum and create something extraordinary that could help people all around the world find their Flow.

Overcoming these obstacles required persistence, determination, and a strong sense of purpose. We knew that what we were doing had the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives, and we remained committed to our vision even when times were tough. Looking back, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we know there’s still much more work to be done.

How has Flow evolved, and what have been some of the company’s most significant milestones or achievements?

Flow has been on an exciting journey since its inception. We started out with a simple demo on the Samsung V.R. platform, but we quickly realized that we had the potential to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Our team has worked tirelessly to develop our mindfulness tools, incorporating the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness practices.

One of our most significant milestones was launching our full app with six modes at the Sigur Ros Festival in December 2018. The positive feedback we received from attendees and industry experts validated all the hard work we had put in. We were also fortunate to receive the Gulleggið government grant, which provided us with the resources to launch our corporate programs and develop our mobile app.

Since then, we have gained significant traction with corporate subscribers like PwC, Vodafone, and CCP Games, who have all used our tools to help their employees reduce stress and improve their well-being. We have also participated in two accelerators, S.R. and Katapult, which enabled us to raise funds, gain valuable insights, and expand our network.

Our commitment to scientific rigor has led us to conduct several studies with companies like Coor and PwC, which have shown promising results in reducing stress and improving focus and productivity. And now, we are excited to be part of a clinical study in Portugal, exploring how our tools can help preoperative breast cancer patients reduce stress and improve their outcomes.

Our journey has been full of challenges and opportunities, but we remain committed to making mindfulness accessible to all. We believe that our VR and mobile app-based tools can significantly impact people’s lives, and we are excited to continue to innovate and expand our reach in the years to come.

How have you seen the VR and AR industry change and grow, and how has Flow adapted to those changes?

The VR and AR industry has undergone remarkable changes and growth in recent years, and Flow has quickly adapted to those changes.

One of the most exciting developments in the industry is the rise of female creators taking center stage. Nanea Reeves and Sarah Hill are two pioneering women who have been in the industry for longer than I have, and I greatly admire their work. I was struck by the number of female creators I saw when I attended the IVRHA and AWE conferences in Portugal, and it’s clear that the industry is becoming much more equitable.

Another trend I’ve noticed is the growth of conferences focused on health and wellness. IVRHA and AWE will expand and become even more popular in the coming years.

It’s also interesting to see how different platforms are championing other models. HTC Vive and Pico, for example, are focusing more on B2B and B2BDC models rather than just B2C. But, unfortunately, the meta store seems very B2C-driven, which only offers a little support for companies like ours operating in the B2B and B2BDC spaces.

Looking to the future, we’re excited about creating group experiences with Flow. Imagine a meditation involving people from all over the world participating in live meditations in different locations. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this industry, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.

What are your long-term goals and vision for Flow, and how do you see the company evolving and growing in the coming years?

My long-term vision for Flow is to make meditation accessible and easy for everyone. I want to create a global movement of people who can find greater peace and well-being through meditation. To achieve this, I see Flow evolving and growing in several ways.

Firstly, we will continue expanding our reach into new markets and languages so that more people worldwide can benefit from our app and technology. We will also explore new ways to integrate biometric tracking and other forms of technology into our meditation experiences, to help people better understand the benefits of meditation and personalize their practice.

In addition, we will focus on building a solid community of meditators, both online and offline. We want to create a space where people can connect with others on the same journey, share their experiences and insights, and support one another in their practice.

Ultimately, my goal for Flow is to help people cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and well-being and to empower them to live their lives with more clarity, purpose, and compassion. Meditation can be a transformative tool for achieving this, and I am committed to making it accessible and easy for everyone.

Can you share any key learnings or insights you’ve gained through your experience with Flow and the VR/AR industry?

Absolutely. One of the key learnings or insights I’ve gained through my experience with Flow and the VR/AR industry is the importance of networks, strategic partnerships, alliances, and collaboration.

In an emerging industry like this, it’s crucial to be part of something bigger than yourself and to connect with others in the ecosystem. I discovered this firsthand when I attended conferences like IVRHA and AWE in Portugal. I was struck by the number of female creators around me and the sense of community in the industry. It’s all about connecting with others and creating a grassroots movement around your mission.

Another important insight is the growing interest in health and wellness in the VR/AR industry. I see a lot of potential for Flow to expand in this area, particularly with integrating biometrics like EEGs and HRVs into our experiences. By providing subjective and objective data on the benefits of meditation, we can help people track and improve their mental and physical health.

Overall, my experience with Flow and the VR/AR industry has taught me the importance of staying connected, being adaptable, and always looking for new opportunities to innovate and improve.

What’s your vision for the future of VR and the Metaverse?

As someone passionate about the potential of VR and the metaverse, I see a future where these technologies are used for more than just entertainment. We will see a rise in applications that focus on improving health and wellness, connecting communities, and fostering empathy across the globe. V.R. has the potential to be an empathy machine, allowing people to connect and share information in new and meaningful ways.

I also see a future where VR and the metaverse are used for high-level training and education. From mastering meditation to learning new skills, incredible tools and opportunities will be available in VR. As we continue to develop these technologies, I want to prioritize their potential for positive impact and work to ensure they are used ethically and responsibly.

What parts of the VR industry do you think need to be changed? Why?

The VR industry needs significant changes to improve safety and accessibility and address gender inequality. For example, it’s alarming and unacceptable that individuals such as Nina Jane Patel, a blogger pursuing her Ph.D. in immersive technology in the UK, experience physical abuse in the Metaverse. As such, we must prioritize safety regulations to ensure all users feel secure and protected while engaging in virtual experiences. By implementing safeguards, we can prevent any form of abuse or harm from happening.

Moreover, female entrepreneurs and creators face significant challenges in securing funding and recognition within the VR industry. This issue must be addressed by creating greater accessibility for women and providing them with the necessary resources and support to succeed. By doing so, we can help level the playing field and encourage more women to innovate and contribute.

Finally, we must continue exploring the vast potential of VR technology to revolutionize various sectors, such as education, healthcare, entertainment, and gaming. By focusing on innovation and inclusivity, we can make significant changes to the VR industry that benefit everyone involved. The VR industry has the potential to shape how we live, work, and interact with one another, and we must work together to create a safe, inclusive, and accessible virtual world.

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

As someone who values privacy and ethics, we must address these topics in the XR industry. With the increased monitoring and invasion of privacy by big tech and the government, we must prioritize fundamental human rights and respect for individuals. We are losing this sense of respect and connection in our society, and we need to get back to basics and uphold these values. The XR industry ensures privacy and ethics are at the forefront of all developments and innovations.

What advice do you have for people (entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, and students) looking to enter the XR industry? And how can they best position themselves for success?

My advice for anyone looking to enter the XR industry is to first figure out what you’re passionate about within the industry. Choose an area that excites you and that you’re motivated to work on for the long term. Staying up-to-date on industry trends, technologies, and innovations is also essential. Networking and building relationships with other professionals in the field can also be beneficial for finding opportunities and gaining knowledge.

For entrepreneurs, I suggest focusing on creating a product or service that solves a problem or fills a need in the market. Conducting thorough market research and having a clear business plan can also help position your company for success.

For professionals, artists, and students, I recommend building a solid portfolio showcasing your skills and creativity, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, attending conferences, joining XR-related groups and forums, and seeking internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience and build relationships with industry professionals.

It’s also essential to continuously develop your skills and knowledge in XR. Keep up with the latest software and hardware developments, and consider taking courses or attending workshops to expand your skill set.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions. The XR industry is still relatively new, so there is plenty of room for innovation and disruption. Embrace the challenges and learn from your mistakes, as they will ultimately help you grow and succeed in this exciting and dynamic industry.

Success in the XR industry requires a combination of passion, dedication, knowledge, and skill. By staying focused on your goals and continuously learning and improving, you can position yourself for success in this exciting and rapidly growing field.

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

Thank you for the question. I have been fortunate to have several essential mentors who have guided me and helped me grow personally and professionally.

One of my earliest and most influential mentors was Bala Kamallakharan, founder of the Startup Iceland Conference and the Iceland Venture Studio. He was the first person who believed in me and my vision for Flow, and he provided invaluable guidance and support as I navigated the ups and downs of starting a company. He has an incredible track record of success and has never lost money on any of his investments, making him a great mentor.

Another essential mentor is Dr. Walter Greenleaf, who has been involved with VR and mental wellness for over three decades. He is a genuine connector and knows everyone in the industry. He has been an incredible source of knowledge and guidance for me and has helped me to navigate the complex world of VR and mental health.

On the meditation side, I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from spiritual master Kalindi. She created a modern-day meditation practice that has impacted tens of thousands of people worldwide, and I have based much of Flow on what I learned from her.

All my mentors have profoundly impacted me, and I am grateful for their guidance and support. I met them through various channels, mostly networking and attending industry events. It is essential to always be on the lookout for mentors and be open to learning from others, no matter where they come from or their backgrounds.

What’s your favorite inspirational quote? What about the quote inspires you?

The quote “The solution to the problem is to go deeper” by the great spiritual teacher Gourasana has been a guiding principle for me. It means that when faced with any challenge or problem, the key to finding a solution is to go beyond the surface level, where things may be chaotic and turbulent, and instead seek the calm and stillness of the deeper levels.

Our society often operates on a surface level, which causes much unrest and turbulence. However, when we delve deep through meditation or introspection, we can connect with a more peaceful and benevolent energy. It’s like entering a different force field, where we can make more precise decisions, gain clarity, and have realizations that may have been obscured.

For me, this quote inspires a sense of hope and optimism. It reminds me that even in the face of adversity, there is always a way to find a solution and a path forward. It encourages me to look beyond the surface level and dig deeper, tap into my inner wisdom, and find the answers I seek. Ultimately, it reminds me that there is always a way to find peace and stillness, even amidst the chaos of the world around us.

 

🧘‍♂️🧘🏻‍♂️🧘🏼‍♂️🧘🏽‍♂️🧘🏾‍♂️🧘🏿‍♂️Remember to meditate.🧘🏿‍♀️🧘🏾‍♀️🧘🏽‍♀️🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏻‍♀️🧘‍♀️

 

Find Tristan on LinkedIn, Twitter and learn more about his company, Flow

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org.

 

 

 

 

22 Feb 2023
Creators Spotlight No Comments Permalink

Adam Mangana

February 22, 2023 No Comments
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Hi Adam, thanks so much for joining us! To get started, please provide us with an overview of your background and share what inspired you to get into immersive technology. Also, please tell us about your journey into the VR industry.

Hi there! My name is Adam Mangana, and I’m the Chief Product Officer and founder of Optima Ed. We’re the only education experience company that creates standards-aligned Virtual Reality Curricula worldwide. I’ve been in education technology for over 15 years, and I recently launched the world’s first Virtual Reality Charter School, Optima Classical Academy, in the fall of 2022. We offer tuition-free online education to students in grades K-9.

My passion lies in education, ancient history, and computer science. I received my undergraduate degree from Brown University with a double major in Classics and Public and Private Sector Organizations. I’ve been fortunate to work with some prominent classicists who inspired me to explore ancient texts and delve deeper into the subject matter. In addition, my mother’s work in the physics department exposed me to computer science, and I had the opportunity to work on research projects with physicists, which gave me a strong foundation in computer science.

Around eight years ago, I became interested in virtual reality and its potential to enhance education. At that time, I created an Unreal Engine course and had the chance to work with the first commercially available headset when Facebook acquired Oculus. Since then, I’ve pursued graduate work in VR education at Vanderbilt and have been part of some initial longitudinal studies on VR in education.

During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to pilot a VR education program with several schools, which led to the opening of the first tuition-free charter school delivered in the Metaverse. I’m excited to be at the forefront of this new field, and the possibilities for immersive and interactive education are endless.

I live on a farm in rural Mississippi outside of Hattiesburg and run a company based in Naples, Florida. I go back and forth between the two and have two kids who attend the world’s first school delivered entirely in the Metaverse, Optima Online Academy. The platform allows students to be present together and experience the school together, building a relationship with the faculty, which is a powerful experience and the primary use case for the Metaverse.

One of my big ideas is to make ambulatory learning great again. I’m inspired by the ancient teaching methods of our two greatest teachers, Jesus and Socrates, who walked alongside their students and asked questions. With the Metaverse, we can create a more immersive and interactive learning experience reminiscent of these ancient teaching methods.

In summary, I’m passionate about education, computer science, and VR technology and committed to creating innovative and practical approaches to education. I’m excited to share my insights and practical advice with anyone interested in exploring the potential of VR for education.

Can you tell us more about what you’re currently working on?

Absolutely. At Optima Education, we’re on a mission to make education more accessible to everyone through the power of VR and immersive technology. Right now, we’re focused on scaling our operations beyond Florida, where we’re currently providing our coursework for free to students with a Florida residence. We’re also proud to partner with Step Up for Students, an organization that supports students with neurodiversity, to offer educational field trips or learning expeditions to 94,000 students. Our nonprofit, the Optima Foundation, supports this work with neurodiverse students, and we welcome anyone who wants to contribute to this cause.

In addition to these initiatives, we’re constantly improving and expanding our curriculum and platform to offer even more engaging and effective educational experiences. We see ourselves as the world’s first education experience company, and we’re excited about the potential for VR and the Metaverse to revolutionize education in future years.

For anyone who wants to learn more about what we’re doing at Optima Education, visit our website, optimaed.com, or check out our charter school at optimaclassical.org. And if you’re interested in supporting our work or want to connect with me directly, don’t hesitate to reach out on LinkedIn. We’re always happy to speak with others who share our passion for transforming education with VR and immersive technology.

What’s your vision for the future of VR and the Metaverse? 

My vision for the future of VR and the Metaverse is exciting, and I see it as a natural evolution of the internet. Thanks to blockchain technology, interoperability will be a crucial feature of this new digital landscape. Companies can trade assets and connect with customers and stakeholders in new and exciting ways. This will make it possible to take assets created in one platform, such as Fortnite or Roblox, and trade them in an educational forum or even a digital real estate market.

Many companies will transition from having a traditional website to having a web place, a three-dimensional metaverse space that will help them stand out and create new opportunities. With the influx of eyeballs and attention, I see a massive adoption curve for the Metaverse coming in the near future. However, as we move into this new digital space, we must also prepare for the need to teach people how to be responsible and ethical digital citizens. Therefore, it will be necessary for schools to play a role in shaping civic virtue and instilling digital citizenship in their students, preparing them for a future where they will need to be good citizens both in real life and the Metaverse.

Despite our many challenges, I remain deeply committed to making education more accessible and bringing the power of VR and what I know about learning to as many people as possible. The Metaverse is a three-dimensional version of the internet and a natural progression of how we interact and do business online. While there are challenges to face as we move into this new era, I believe that with perseverance, a deep sense of purpose, and a focus on building good digital citizenship, we can unlock the full potential of the Metaverse and create a better future for all.

What parts of the VR industry do you think need to be changed? Why

As an expert in the field, the VR industry must focus on utility and relevance. VR companies should solve problems for their customers and users rather than just trying to showcase the technology. It’s essential to consider the practical applications of VR and how it can solve problems in fields such as education, healthcare, and engineering.

Another issue is that the industry needs to build experiences that will last for hundreds of years. Therefore, three-dimensional assets in VR are essential. Companies should take inspiration from the book “The Timeless Way of Building” by Christopher Alexander, which emphasizes the importance of creating timeless structures and experiences.

In addition, the communication around VR needs to be improved. Many people still view VR as a novelty or a niche technology, and it’s up to the industry to demonstrate its potential and practical uses. It’s essential to focus on the problems that VR can solve, such as enhancing empathy or improving access to education.

Overall, the VR industry must continue to innovate, push boundaries, and remain practical and focused on solving real-world problems. As the industry grows, it’s crucial to balance showcasing the technology and providing tangible, valuable solutions.

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

As a company that operates in the education industry, Optima Education prioritizes privacy and ethics. We understand that data privacy is critical when it comes to education, and we take our users’ trust very seriously. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that our platform is safe, secure, and transparent with our users about collecting, storing, and using their data.

In terms of ethics, companies need to approach emerging technologies with a sense of responsibility and a deep commitment to doing what’s right. As we move into the Metaverse and other immersive technologies, we must take the time to consider these technologies’ implications and work together to establish ethical guidelines and best practices. This is particularly important in education, where we protect and nurture the next generation’s minds.

We believe blockchain technology is critical in building trust and establishing a sense of accountability regarding privacy and ethics. Using the blockchain to create immutable, transparent data usage records, we can help ensure that users retain control over their data and that companies are held accountable for their actions. Ultimately, it’s up to everyone in the industry to work together to ensure that emerging technologies are used ethically and responsibly and that the next generation of students can learn and grow in a safe and secure environment.

What advice do you have for people (professionals/ students) looking to enter the XR industry?

I advise those looking to enter the XR industry to understand the tools and technologies, build and experiment with different ideas, and network with other professionals. You can find free online resources, such as Unity and Unreal Engine tutorials, or consider taking a content creator course to get started. Attend industry conferences to keep updated with the latest trends and innovations and create opportunities for collaboration and career advancement. So roll up your sleeves and start building!

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

As someone fortunate enough to have many great mentors in my life, they have all significantly shaped my journey and career. However, one person who stands out, in particular, is Dr. Derek Ham, a friend, and mentor whom I met while growing up in Southeastern Virginia.

Dr. Ham, who went on to attend Harvard and MIT and now serves as the Chairman of the Design School at North Carolina State, has been an incredible inspiration to me. He built an immersive experience called “I Am A Man,” available on the Oculus Store and created for the National African American History Museum in DC. It takes users on a journey back to 1968 Memphis from the perspective of sanitation workers during the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

Watching him pioneer perspective-taking and walking a mile in someone else’s shoes was inspiring, especially as someone who wants to engineer meaningful learning experiences for students. Dr. Ham’s dedication to his craft and ability to create immersive experiences that matter has been a constant source of inspiration to me. I’m grateful for his mentorship and friendship.

Bonus: What’s your favorite inspirational quote? What about the quote inspires you?

One of my favorite quotes comes from Saint Augustine: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.” This quote is inspiring because it reminds us of the importance of gaining new experiences and expanding our perspective. We live in a vast and diverse world, and it’s easy to get stuck in our little bubble and forget about incredible things beyond our immediate surroundings. This quote encourages us to venture out and explore, learn from others, and broaden our horizons. I believe this is especially important in virtual reality, which allows us to “hack time and space” and experience new things in a way that was never before possible. By embracing this spirit of adventure and exploration, we can better understand the world around us and become more well-rounded and empathetic individuals.

 

Find Adam on LinkedIn, Twitter and learn more about his company, OptimaEd

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org.

13 Jan 2023
Creators Spotlight Permalink

Miguel Torres Vargas

January 13, 2023
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Hi Miguel, thanks so much for joining us! To get started, please give us an overview of your background.

Growing up, we didn’t have a computer at home, but at 10, I was lucky enough to be enrolled in a program called Misión Huascarán at my public school in Peru. The program taught the basics of computers, and we would make robots out of Legos. I remember launching Microsoft Word for the first time, and that’s where I met Clippy. I was mesmerized by this character’s animations and friendliness; it would assist me in finding images.

My love for technology continued to grow as I got older. I took a computer class in secondary school that I had the opportunity to attend once a week for an hour. In this class, I learned about programs like Photoshop and Corel Draw, but what I loved most about it was that I got to play video games like Counter-Strike and Half-Life.

After school, I often went to cybercafes to play those games, and that’s where my passion for video games started. As the years went on, my family and friends would come to me for help with their computer issues, and I was happy to act as their IT support.

I knew I wanted to turn my passion for technology into a career. So, I enrolled in a trade school and studied computer science. I learned from Jose Espinosa Landa (the most valuable professional at Microsoft) how to build computers and program and use languages such as PHP, Visual Basic, and C#.

What inspired you to get into immersive tech? Please tell us a bit about your journey into the VR industry.

After graduating from trade school, I knew I wanted to take my programming and building applications skills to the next level. So, I began working as IT support and quickly worked my way up to become an IT manager. But I couldn’t help but wonder what more I could do. That’s when I decided to enroll in university to learn more about computer science. It was there that I discovered my passion for game development. So, I took several classes on the subject. During one of those classes, I met Professor Pablo Figueroa, an exchange professor from The University of Los Andes in Colombia. His research topics were VR and Game Development, and he had been in the field for over ten years.

As a final project, I created an RPG in 3D called SuddenDir and presented it to Professor Figueroa. He was impressed with my work, and I remember asking him at the end of the presentation if being a VR developer was hard or easy. He smiled and said, “It’s not about the difficulty; it’s about the passion.”

That’s when it hit me, my passion for technology and game development, combined with Professor Figueroa’s encouragement and expertise, inspired me to pursue a career in VR development. In the ever-evolving world of technology, there is always space for creativity and innovation. Now, as a VR developer, I’m living my dream.

What were some of the biggest challenges you experienced while on any project?

As a VR developer, one of the biggest challenges I faced was developing a multiplayer experience. I had to create an experience connecting people from different Peruvian cities. Initially, we struggled to develop a multiplayer experience in VR, as we were only familiar with developing standalone VR experiences. However, we decided to learn a tool called Photon 2, and it was through this tool that we could create a successful multiplayer VR experience. The project aimed to address deficiencies in a specific environment and was designed to ensure that workers were using safety gear, such as helmets and safety jackets, and could read danger signs and exit safely.

Can you tell us more about what you’re currently working on?

I participated in a hackathon where a team of us developed an AR experience for a marketing company. The AR experience uses geolocation to find virtual objects on a map, and as you move around, ads would appear. I worked on this AR experience with two individuals from Mexico, and we won the hackathon. The company that sponsored the event decided to incubate our project. The opportunity to enter a startup incubator to found our startup with an XR approach, I am very excited for what is to come and everything I will learn.

What were some of the most considerable challenges you’ve faced while working in the VR industry? How did you overcome them?

One of my most significant challenges was developing a VR experience without a VR headset. Access to technology is a hurdle that many, including myself, have faced. Unfortunately, when I started working for BSG Institute, they only had one headset and were unwilling to invest in another one. So, initially, I had to travel across town to the office to access the headset. However, as I learned more about Unity, I discovered that I could use the XR toolkit, allowing me to develop VR experiences without needing a physical headset.

What’s your vision for the future of VR?

I envision a future where everyone has access to this technology, where you and I can put on a headset and connect to be in a virtual world, just like today’s internet. When you combine VR and AI, you will see a world where AI can help develop VR experiences and build virtual worlds.

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

To me, privacy means that my personal information and data should only be accessible to me. And if I create or develop something, it belongs to me. Ethics refers to the behaviors considered right or wrong, the adherence to these customs, and the acknowledgment of when errors are made.

What advice do you have for people (professionals/ students) looking to enter the XR industry?

If you need to know where to begin, start with YouTube video tutorials. I also recommend looking for technological communities, as it is here where you will learn a lot and have the opportunity to be mentored. There are communities out there that will support you in your journey. And if you want to work in this field, educate yourself and get certified.

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

I wouldn’t consider Pablo Figueroa and Jose Espinosa Landa as mentors, but these professors taught me everything I know and inspired me to be who I am today and be a part of the VR industry.

Anything else you’d like to add?

The future of extended reality is exciting. We are in one of the best times because we have access to artificial intelligence, extended reality, and the technology to run these applications.

Bonus: What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

El ayer es historia, el mañana es un misterio, el hoy es un regalo, por eso se llama presente!

 

Find Miguel on LinkedIn

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org.

05 Jul 2022
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Dr. Arindam Dey

July 5, 2022 No Comments
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Hi Arindam, thanks so much for joining us! To get started, please give us an overview of your background.

I have been a computer science student since the early 2000s and have been attached to academia. My work mainly focuses on users and making extended reality systems that help them in specific ways. I started my Ph.D. in 2009 at the University of South Australia (UniSA) to focus on handheld augmented reality and x-ray visualizations in outdoor locations. I graduated in 2013 and have had multiple postdoctoral positions in the US and Australia. My most unique postdoctoral work was with Prof. Mark Billinghurst between 2016-2018 at UniSA, where I started exploring Empathic Computing. A research area uses implicit physiological cues (measured through wearable sensors) to create better awareness and connection between the user(s) and the system. Around this time, I also started promoting and engaging in “XR 4 Good” research. After my time at UniSA, I started as a Lecturer at the University of Queensland and continued researching empathic computing and extended reality. I still hold an honorary position with the University of Queensland.

What inspired you to get into immersive tech? Please tell us a bit about your journey into the VR industry.

My journey into immersive tech was accidental, and I am glad it happened. From 2007 to 2008, I looked for a Ph.D. position in pervasive computing and human-computer interaction. I approached many academics worldwide (mainly in the US, the UK, and Australia). That is when I was connected to my Ph.D. supervisor Prof. Christian Sandor who is now at the University of Paris-Saclay. He told me that he doesn’t have any project on pervasive computing but has an open position for an augmented reality project. At that time, AR was not as popular as it is now. I read more about it and liked the human-centered approach to the project. That’s how I got started working on AR. I tried VR multiple times during my Ph.D. days. My first research exposure to VR was in my postdoctoral position with Prof. Robert Lindeman at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the US (Rob now leads HitLab New Zealand in Christchurch) and later with Prof. Billinghurst at the Empathic Computing Lab at UniSA. My work mainly involves VR, but I continue to work on other immersive technologies such as AR.

What were some of the biggest challenges you experienced while creating this project?

After joining UQ, I started this first project with three students (Bowen Yuan, Aaron Goh, and Gaurav Gupta) who had never worked on any VR project before and did not use an EEG device. So, my first challenge was bringing the students up to speed with the technologies and, more importantly, the research project. They were talented and hardworking students who quickly got everything together and executed the task well.

We faced the second challenge of interfacing the EEG device with the VR application, where facial expressions were detected and used for interaction. The students figured out a solution that we discussed in the research article.

Another big challenge was the COVID pandemic, which significantly restricted our lab access and recruited participants for the user study. We had to stop the study after running it with 18 participants.

Can you tell us more about what you’re currently working on?

One stream of our research measures emotions and cognitive load in real-time and effectively uses this information in VR systems. We are looking into ways to share this information with multiple collaborators to create better awareness between them. Another way of using this information is to adapt the VR interface in real-time based on the user’s emotional and cognitive states.

Another stream of research that we are working on is to measure the feeling of presence in VR in real-time using neurological signals and then use this information to adapt the VR interface to provide a more impactful experience in VR.

We are also developing better interactions and learning interfaces in VR for people with special needs, including autism.

What were some of the most considerable challenges you’ve faced while working in the VR industry? How did you overcome them?

One of the significant challenges that we faced in the early days was the quality of the VR displays being suboptimal for long-term uses. They were bulky, wired, limited field of view, and had lower refresh rates. However, this challenge was overcome with new displays from major companies such as Oculus (Meta) Quest and HTC Vive. Currently, displays are widely used by the general public, aka end-users. With these better displays, graphics cards, and computational power of the computers, we can now create very compelling VR experiences.

Another major challenge we faced that is somewhat related to the earlier challenge I mentioned is to let people use VR for a long time to collect data. Due to the bulkiness of the displays and lower quality, we had to use shorter experiences. However, that problem is reasonably addressed with these better displays, at least for the research-related applications.

For our area of research, the major challenge is that we need to use multiple wearable sensors such as eye trackers, heart rate (ECG), Electrodermal activities (EDA), and Electroencephalography (EEG) to collect data and create VR experiences. We must fit the user/participant with these sensors separately and calibrate them. However, new displays are coming to the market with some of these sensors integrated, such as HP Omnicept.

What’s your vision for the future of VR?

I believe VR (and AR) have a great future ahead. Currently, VR systems are designed and developed for neurologically and physically typical users. My vision is to create VR interfaces that everyone can use and enjoy, including neurodivergent and physically challenged community members. Our research aims to develop adaptive VR interfaces that cater to users’ emotional and cognitive needs. We are also working on designing interactions for physically challenged users.

What parts of the VR industry do you think need to be changed? Why?

My main concern with the VR industry is that we design most VR applications with a one-size-fits-all approach. That needs to change; every user has different emotional, cognitive, and physical abilities. By creating VR interfaces that can monitor the physiological states of the user and adapt to the user’s needs in real time, we can make VR interfaces more accessible, helpful, and enjoyable to every user. A move in that direction at the commercial level is slowly starting.

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

Privacy and ethics are fundamental aspects to consider when designing an interface connected to the internet; this is not exclusive to VR. Companies need to be very transparent and careful in using the data they collect from users. At the same time, the users need to be aware and cautious about what kind of data they share with the applications (companies) they use.

What advice do you have for people (professionals/ students) looking to enter the XR industry?

Well, I think they should be willing to understand the users and design XR interfaces for the users that will create better user experiences. For a long time, the XR industry has focused on engineering challenges, resulting in current high-quality devices. We are at a stage where these technologies can be widely available to the end-user. We need to focus on the end-user and consider how to serve users with XR technologies better; while doing that, we need to consider a wide variety of users worldwide because XR adoption will increase rapidly

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

The most important person in my career is Prof. Mark Billinghurst. I am fortunate to have him as a mentor and close colleague.

Mark has a wealth of knowledge in XR and HCI (human-computer interaction) that he shares openly and actively with the community. He has won multiple awards and is among the world’s most successful researchers in XR. Having had an opportunity to work closely with him for several years, I have learned (and I continue to learn) a lot from him, not just about XR research but also about leadership, humility, and being a nice human being. He has been accommodating in several ways in my life with his mentorship and constructive feedback. I am grateful for his contributions to my career.

My first interaction with Mark was in 2015 when I was a postdoc at WPI in the US. We collaborated on a review article on AR usability studies. Of course, I knew of him earlier but never had any interaction. Since that collaboration, I have been working directly with him as a part of his research team at the Empathic Computing Lab (at UniSA).

Anything else you’d like to add? 

I think the VR/AR industry (currently dubbed the Metaverse) has an exciting future ahead with more business and academic opportunities. With the rise in the adoption of these technologies, we will see more active interest in making them more inclusive, accessible, and safe (both physically and psychologically).

Bonus: What’s your favorite inspirational quote? What about the quote inspires you?

I have two favorite quotes :

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” By Alan Kay
I like this quote a lot as a researcher. It motivates me to push my boundaries.

“Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.” By Robert Baden-Powell
This quote is what I believe in as a human being.

 

Find Arindam on LinkedIn or his Personal Website

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org.

 

 

 

05 Oct 2021
Creators Spotlight No Comments Permalink

Aviv Elor

October 5, 2021 No Comments
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Hi Aviv, thanks so much for joining us! To get started, can you please give us an overview of your background?

Sure thing! I’m a researcher and PhD candidate from the University of California, Santa Cruz exploring Extended Reality and Assistive Technologies. My primary work explores how immersive virtual reality, affective computing, and wearable technology can help people better get into flow during physical rehabilitation and exercise. I aim to augment assistive technologies through gamification by creating interactive experiences that are both physically and emotionally intelligent in assisting users with and without disabilities.

I’ve had a journey of varying experiences such as optimizing autonomous drones with NASA Researchers, working security for Super Bowl 50, creating efficient traffic management systems during sleep-deprived hackathons, assembling high voltage electric car circuits while burning my fingers soldering, coaching K-8 judo + wrestling, fiddling around with robotic exosuits (+ building robotic doggos), and investigating interactive virtual environments while working with Warner Bros Entertainment, Walt Disney Imagineering, Google Daydream, the National Institutes of Health, and Facebook Reality Labs. Oh, and I have two fluffy kitties named Amy and Jack.

What inspired you to get into immersive tech? Please tell us a bit about your journey to getting into the VR industry.

I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my career going through college, but knew I wanted to do something with technology as I loved video games and digital media growing up as a child (spent way too much time on Minecraft, Mass Effect, and Bioshock back in the 2010s). Because of this, I tried to do everything when I entered college (resulting in a wacky journey from my background).

I was inspired to get into immersive tech after completely rupturing my right tricep ligament in a judo competition and undergoing reconstructive surgery. After a couple of months of physical rehabilitation, Oculus and HTC Vive started releasing more affordable consumer headsets — eventually, I tried one out at a friend’s place and was immediately hooked on how engaging the virtual experiences were (and how I started exercising my elbow while being distracted from my usual discomfort).

During this time, I was invited to become an undergraduate researcher at the UC Santa Cruz ASSIST Labs to explore how games could assist in stroke rehabilitation. I immediately became determined to explore how VR could be utilized to assist stroke survivors with exercise games! Over the next year, I had the privilege to work with many passionate therapists, stroke survivors, and disability learning centers to co-design a new type of exercise game for Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy. This led to the development of Project Star Catcher, where we found VR exergames could improve therapy adherence by over 40% between hemiparetic limbs!

Since then I’ve been continuing to research immersive technologies, exercise games, and artificial intelligence tools around VR for healthcare!

What were some of the biggest challenges you experienced while creating this project?

Many! It’s always hard to juggle time, collaboration, and funding as there are only 24 hours in a single day — especially when you’re a student, researcher, and co-founder. When completing my engineering bachelor’s degree in 3 years while balancing research, I ended up gaining 40 lbs of weight as I would use sweets to stay up all night while working. As a graduate student, I’ve learned that daily exercise, ensuring you spend time with your loved ones, and taking a step back from work when needed can lead to far more productive and passionate research.

Can you tell us more about what you’re currently working on?

More recently, I’ve co-founded Immergo LLC. With support from the National Science Foundation, we’re researching new XR tools to help physical and occupational therapists with remote physical rehabilitation. I’m also wrapping up my Ph.D. dissertation this fall on the design and evaluation of VR exergames for physical therapy (here’s a high-level sneak peek for anyone interested).

What were some of the most considerable challenges you’ve faced while working in the VR industry? How did you overcome them?

From an industry perspective, I have never been formally trained in many of the positions I’ve held (electrical engineer, tech prototyper, creative simulation developer, and user experience researcher). A lot of these opportunities arose from self-learning development and research skills around virtual reality as a student and taking a leap of faith into an unfamiliar industry position. At first, I felt a lot of imposter syndrome and negated my work-life balance to try to compensate for my insecurities. Over time, I found that approaching these new challenges, especially those outside of your comfort zone, can be incredibly exciting from a learning, growth, and collaboration perspective! Now when facing the unknown from many development areas of XR, I’m always excited to learn and advance my skill set even if things don’t always work out. I believe the common phrase is: “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”

What’s your vision for the future of VR?

Definitely beyond gaming. VR is powerful, it lets us defy reality and create almost any experience. If we can create any world, any reality, then what worlds can best help people with their needs? I think VR could grow and mesh with the physical world in so many ways: increasing access to healthcare, redefining the future of education, pushing the boundaries of art, and so much more. The ability to be co-present and immersed all through a pair of goggles has so many design opportunities.

What parts of the VR industry do you think need to be changed? Why?

Regardless of where we go with VR, I think it’s critical that we ensure our stakeholders are directly involved in the design process. If VR grows, and begins to offer significant advantages, co-designing is critical to ensure that no one who wants VR will be left behind. Today, most VR experiences aren’t truly accessible. For people with motor disabilities, alternative controllers aren’t often supported. For people with low hearing or vision, captions and display customization aren’t a standard for most VR experiences. For VR to truly make an impact (and one that is equitable) we need to ensure that these communities are heard and supported at the beginning of the XR design process.

What are your thoughts on privacy and ethics?

Many affordable VR business models today are centered around capturing user data. VR headsets are becoming increasingly better at capturing that data: adding additional cameras to improve tracking, employing algorithms that track the physical world around us for safety and convenience, and beginning to incorporate face/eye tracking to improve our social-emotional interaction. To me, I believe it is absolutely critical that VR providers are transparent (and understandable) about how this data is being used. For example, why is this data being collected, who has access to it, and where is it being stored? Additionally, users should have the choice to opt out of this data tracking in the freemium model with alternative options (e.g. pay a subscription fee to remove advertisement access). From an ethical perspective, it’s not as simple as saying “Don’t do any evil.” Most individuals are not ethicists, and everyone has their own assumptions and biases. Again this is why it is critical to involve your stakeholders, people, directly in the design process, especially in ensuring that your XR experience is ethical and truly utilizes acceptable privacy practices.

What advice do you have for people (professionals/ students) looking to enter the XR industry?

As someone who is self-taught in XR (Unity, Unreal, User Experience), don’t be afraid to jump in. As long as you find your passion and approach XR with a growth mindset, I believe anyone can enter the XR industry. I’d recommend reaching out and grabbing (virtual) coffee with others in the XR industry to learn about their career journeys. Or even join hackathons and online tutorials/classes (even if you’ve never programmed in your life).

Who have been your most important mentors? Why? How did you meet them?

To my family, it is their love and support that drives me forward. To my friends and colleagues, it is their engagement and energy that keeps me running. To my advisors and mentors, it is their encouragement, patience, and guidance that have helped me find my way. I simply couldn’t have done it without them. They have forever changed my life, and I will always be grateful.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Happy to chat about life, the universe, or anything else! I welcome new opportunities as well as collaborations and invite those interested to reach out to me.

Bonus: What’s your favorite inspirational quote? What about the quote inspires you?

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”

― Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

 

Find Aviv on LinkedIn, Twitter and learn more about his company, Immergo Labs

Know someone who should be interviewed for an XR Creator Spotlight? Please email us at hello@xrcreators.org

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