Bontouch x VR

Service:

Service:

Service:

Research,UX in VR

Research,UX in VR

Research,UX in VR

Client:

Client:

Client:

Bontouch x VR

Bontouch x VR

Bontouch x VR

Field:

Field:

Field:

Virtual Collaboration

Virtual Collaboration

Virtual Collaboration

Year:

Year:

Year:

2023

Client:

Client:

Client:

View

View

View

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The impact of virtual environments on remote brainstorming

The impact of virtual environments on remote brainstorming
context

To understand the impact of virtual environments on creativity during brainstorming among designers.

In this project, we delve into figuring out a challenge to explore in VR with creativity, collaboration, and innovation, understanding the problem, designing the VR environment, conducting the study and seeing if VR can enhance the brainstorming experience for designers working remotely.

Team:

Team:

Team:

Josefine Söderin (UX Supervisor) 18 UX & UI Designer (Bontouch) 6 students (IMT, KTH)

Josefine Söderin (UX Supervisor) 18 UX & UI Designer (Bontouch) 6 students (IMT, KTH)

Josefine Söderin (UX Supervisor) 18 UX & UI Designer (Bontouch) 6 students (IMT, KTH)

How can VR improve collaboration in the design process?

How can VR improve collaboration in the design process?

How can VR improve collaboration in the design process?
CHALLENGE

What if we could step into a virtual space and collaborate as if we were in the same room, no matter where we are? This question drove our exploration into using VR to transform the design process. By stepping into a multi-user virtual space, we sought to uncover whether VR could unlock new levels of creativity and collaboration—or if it would create its own set of obstacles to overcome.

What if we could step into a virtual space and collaborate as if we were in the same room, no matter where we are? This question drove our exploration into using VR to transform the design process. By stepping into a multi-user virtual space, we sought to uncover whether VR could unlock new levels of creativity and collaboration—or if it would create its own set of obstacles to overcome.

What if we could step into a virtual space and collaborate as if we were in the same room, no matter where we are? This question drove our exploration into using VR to transform the design process. By stepping into a multi-user virtual space, we sought to uncover whether VR could unlock new levels of creativity and collaboration—or if it would create its own set of obstacles to overcome.

Having fun while exploring design ideas.

Having fun while exploring design ideas.

Having fun while exploring design ideas.
impact

From discovering fresh ways to engage during brainstorming to crafting newer interfaces for collaborative designing, the project proved that VR has the potential to enhance collaboration in ways that feel intuitive, effective, and—most importantly—fun.

From discovering fresh ways to engage during brainstorming to crafting newer interfaces for collaborative designing, the project proved that VR has the potential to enhance collaboration in ways that feel intuitive, effective, and—most importantly—fun.

From discovering fresh ways to engage during brainstorming to crafting newer interfaces for collaborative designing, the project proved that VR has the potential to enhance collaboration in ways that feel intuitive, effective, and—most importantly—fun.

In a world where remote work and distributed teams are becoming the norm, this project wasn’t just an experiment. It was a step toward future-proofing design processes, establishing thought leadership, and ensuring that the tools we use to collaborate evolve alongside our ambitions.

In a world where remote work and distributed teams are becoming the norm, this project wasn’t just an experiment. It was a step toward future-proofing design processes, establishing thought leadership, and ensuring that the tools we use to collaborate evolve alongside our ambitions.

In a world where remote work and distributed teams are becoming the norm, this project wasn’t just an experiment. It was a step toward future-proofing design processes, establishing thought leadership, and ensuring that the tools we use to collaborate evolve alongside our ambitions.

What if the space around us could inspire the way we think?

What if the space around us could inspire the way we think?

What if the space around us could inspire the way we think?
features

To test it, we ideated two virtual environments—a classic office space and a lush forest—and set out to see how each impacted collaboration. Using AI tools to visualize concepts, Unity assets to build the worlds, and Oculus headsets for testing, we experimented until the environments felt intuitive and user-friendly. Then came the real test: putting people inside these spaces to brainstorm.

The forest environment outshone the office. Users engaged more, shared more, and generated more ideas in the forest setting. Every group gravitated toward open discussions, capturing their thoughts in ways that felt natural and dynamic. The creativity seemed to flow as freely as the virtual streams around them.

To test it, we ideated two virtual environments—a classic office space and a lush forest—and set out to see how each impacted collaboration. Using AI tools to visualize concepts, Unity assets to build the worlds, and Oculus headsets for testing, we experimented until the environments felt intuitive and user-friendly. Then came the real test: putting people inside these spaces to brainstorm.

The forest environment outshone the office. Users engaged more, shared more, and generated more ideas in the forest setting. Every group gravitated toward open discussions, capturing their thoughts in ways that felt natural and dynamic. The creativity seemed to flow as freely as the virtual streams around them.

To test it, we ideated two virtual environments—a classic office space and a lush forest—and set out to see how each impacted collaboration. Using AI tools to visualize concepts, Unity assets to build the worlds, and Oculus headsets for testing, we experimented until the environments felt intuitive and user-friendly. Then came the real test: putting people inside these spaces to brainstorm.

The forest environment outshone the office. Users engaged more, shared more, and generated more ideas in the forest setting. Every group gravitated toward open discussions, capturing their thoughts in ways that felt natural and dynamic. The creativity seemed to flow as freely as the virtual streams around them.

Josefine Söderin

UX-Designer, Bontouch

"When it came to designing and building the virtual environment, Ritty showed incredible initiative and skill. She created a visually appealing and immersive virtual space that perfectly aligned with the research goals. I was impressed by her technical abilities and how she brought her ideas to life so effectively.

Beyond designing and building the virtual environment, Ritty conducted studies with great dedication, exploring different methodologies and collecting valuable data. Her analysis offered fascinating interpretations, contributing to our understanding of virtual reality’s potential to enhance the creative process at Bontouch. The insights she provided will be instrumental as we explore new ways to approach design work and hybrid workshops in the future.

What impressed me most during the thesis process was her creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and how she tackled challenges that emerged. She consistently brought an innovative approach, always looking for ways to refine the process and create a virtual environment that truly fostered brainstorming and collaboration."

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