Head Break
Sam De Armas
Advisor: Sharleen Smith
Head Break is a virtual reality experience utilizing hand tracking technology, facilitating seamless immersion for newcomers and skeptics by removing barriers to entry typically associated with complex VR controllers.
Abstract
In "Head Break," users interact with different objects in virtual reality, emphasizing seamless hand-tracking implementation to provide an accessible entry into virtual reality. Motivated by a passion for VR and wanting to introduce someone to VR, my grandma being my initial reason, this project merges intuitive hand-tracking with easy to take in visuals. Influenced by the Hedonomoic VR principles, the aim is to create a welcoming VR environment for newcomers.
Technical Details
The development of "Head Break" is primarily created using Unity as the game development software, relying on the Meta SDK to initially integrate the hand tracking and a handful of demo models, 3D models from the Unity Asset store, 3D models created by me, music by me, and development is made primarily for the Oculus Quest headset.
Research/Context
"Head Break" stems from my desire to create a VR experience where my grandma and mom can place a headset on and easily maneuver the space around them with minimal instructions.
Influences:
- Cubism VR
- New York Times Games
- The practice of Mindfulness
- The Divided Brain and the Search for Meaning by Iain McGilchrist
- Art therapy principles
Further Reading
Complete documentation available on project site.
