The concept of “immersive design” was introduced in 2007 by creative director Alex McDowell to refer to new possibilities offered by VR technology. Today, however, it has evolved into a much broader concept that places the user at its core, offering a complex system of interaction with the product and new forms of storytelling.
Immersive experiences blur the line between reality and the digital environment by combining multiple technologies, ranging from Virtual and Augmented Reality to haptic devices, spatial architecture and sound design, among others. These tools enable users to transcend the constraints of flat or traditional interfaces, transforming the individual from a passive spectator into an active part of the story.
However, the transition to a three-dimensional environment, interaction based on gestures, movement or voice commands and the need to align virtual projections with the user’s physical reality all present new challenges in design and usability. In this article, we explore several principles for creating immersive experiences that are both engaging and effective.
1. Providing visual and auditory realism
Human beings have the ability to emotionally connect with situations that they find genuine and credible. Managing cognitive stimuli through sensory harmonisation, where sensations experienced by the user across various senses are aligned, enhances their sense of belonging within the virtual environment presented to them.
Utilising highly detailed graphics, managing lighting effectively and making good use of textures are key to enhancing the depth and credibility of 3D images. The movements of these designs should be smooth and natural, respecting the laws of gravity and physics. Paying attention to the use of perspective and scale, as well as adding subtle details like dust particles or reflections in water, also enhances the immersive quality of the scene.
On the other hand, the incorporation of clear, high-quality sounds sets the emotional tone of various moments or actions, while auditory realism can be achieved through what is known as “spatial audio”. This technology enables the perception of sound as if it originates from various directions relative to the user’s position, creating an auditory environment that coincides with visual elements and enhances their presence.
2. Creating a storyline
Developing immersive products centred around storytelling provides them with context, while also imparting a sense of purpose and encouraging user exploration. The user no longer views the experience as a mere sequence of tasks, as they are provided with a defined role within the narrative and a set of objectives to engage with.
Creating coherent storylines begins with a central theme or narrative thread, understood to be the path to competing the story’s overarching mission. Another key element is the characters, among whom the individual often takes on the role of the protagonist. Encouraging interaction with NPCs (non-playable characters) to discover their individual motivations and personalities enhances the virtual environment, making it more compelling and lifelike.
Finally, storytelling must also consider the progression of the narrative thread. This encompasses everything that occurs from the beginning to the conclusion of the experience, involving numerous variables such as the pacing and structure of events, points of conflict, user discoveries, their achievements and personal growth, character development and plot twists, among others.
Source: ROUVY
3. Offering different choices and perspectives
On the other hand, immersive, non-linear experiences are often regarded as more interactive and memorable. The ability to choose between various alternatives or narrative paths enhances the user’s sense of control and personal investment, while expanding the story’s scope and replayability.
This structure can be combined with various perspectives in either the first or third person, alternately depicting events in different scenarios and allowing the individual to assume multiple roles. This technique facilitates the revelation of new or hidden information, as it illustrates how each character confronts the events and adds multiple layers of depth to the storyline.
There are numerous ways to introduce branching in storytelling, which should create new subplots and significantly influence the progression of events. One of the most common methods is the parallel mission system, where the user decides on the order in which they wish to complete them. Other options include multiple responses in dialogue with NPCs or the design of open-world maps featuring various areas to explore, for example.
4. Prioritising safety and comfort
Digital motion sickness, also known as cybersickness, refers to discomfort linked to VR and AR experiences. It occurs when there is a discrepancy between sensations perceived by the body and those processed by the brain. Symptoms may include dizziness, disorientation, sweating, fatigue, headaches or even vomiting, making it essential to implement strategies to mitigate its effects.
The likelihood of a user experiencing cybersickness decreases with a high frames-per-second rate (FPS), typically exceeding 90 FPS, which facilitates smoother image display and minimises dizziness. Also, it is important to minimise latency or response times between various actions and their visual representation in the interface, align the virtual environment with the user’s field of view (FOV) and ensure that camera movements are fluid.
The design must also be safe, both psychologically and physically. It is generally advised to avoid frightening content or emotionally intense situations; if they are included, a warning should be provided along with an option to adjust their intensity. Additionally, when experiences require physical movement, it is essential to ensure that the real-world environment is safe and that the interface can alert users to close objects or hazardous situations.
Finally, the immersive experience must consider the individual’s comfort. This depends on factors such as device ergonomics, hardware usability, the user’s posture during the activity and its duration, among other considerations.
Source: TIME Immersive
5. Validating accessibility and usability
All aforementioned principles must converge to create an accessible and usable experience, with a design that accommodates individuals with varying physical and cognitive abilities.
Gestures that facilitate interaction with the system should be natural and intuitive, including customisable controls for voice navigation or the need to perform physical movements, for example. It is also helpful to add options for audio description, adjustable font sizes and components or the ability to choose from various colour contrasts and configurations.
Regarding usability, it is essential that a single user action consistently produces the same response or effect within the virtual environment. Including immediate visual, auditory or haptic feedback strategies aids individuals in recognising that their actions have been received and processed by the system. The incorporation of tutorials, the option to undo decisions and the development of a progressive learning curve also contribute to a more enjoyable and satisfying interaction.
Would you like to develop immersive interfaces for your product or service? At GammaUX, we have a team of professionals who will assess your current situation, providing advice and assistance in designing the experience you’re looking for. Contact us for a no-obligation discussion!
