What If One Day.
date. 2022
The current era has brought upon big changes in consumerist behavior. Driven more by desire than actual needs,
we consume at a faster rate than ever before. But at what price? The cost of our copious lifestyles is much higher than what meets the eye.
This project aims to inspire a group of people who both inherited this issue from previous generations and have the capacity to change the future through a sustainable lifestyle of their own, educating the next generations as well as creating demands on vendors through harnessing their purchase power. Inspired by personal experience and desire for change,
I aim to use the unique immersive persuasive features of VR to remind young mobile youth living in big cities, such as myself, of the responsibility we have and the better future we owe ourselves and our children.
The ultimate goal of this project is to remind people of a problem and make them take the first step towards change, effectively taking control over their own future.
Skills used: 3D modeling in Maya, drawing in Procreate, VR .apk in Unity, shaders, back-end code editing, storytelling, sustainability
Course: Capstone Graduate Project
Production Length: 3 months
Note: I have been dedicating my free time to continuously improve this project, both in terms of its visuals
and overall concept. Additionally, I am actively gathering insights from various experts in waste and water management, as well as environmental sustainability. The updates reflecting these enhancements are
yet to be implemented on this page, so what is currently visible is only the initial usable prototype.
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Exploring the Impact of Consumerism through Virtual Reality.
The rapid pace of consumerism in today's world is alarmingly unsustainable. "What If One Day" addresses this critical issue by immersing its audience in a thought-provoking virtual reality (VR) experience. This project doesn't just highlight the problem; it seeks to inspire those who can shape the future – the young, mobile generation.
Roots of the Project.
My personal journey, growing up in a small village in Prague, instilled in me a deep respect for nature and a profound awareness of our environmental impact. This upbringing, coupled with the stark contrast of consumer behavior I observed upon moving to Shanghai, laid the foundation for this project. It's a culmination of my life’s observations and experiences, transformed into a medium that can reach and influence others.
The VR Experience.
In "What If One Day", the participant embarks on an immersive journey through a narrative set in a post-apocalyptic future. This experience is not just about showing the consequences of unchecked consumerism but also about evoking a visceral response. The VR environment vividly illustrates the devastation caused by our current consumption patterns, juxtaposing the beauty of untouched nature with the stark reality of our possible future.
Technical and Creative Aspects.
The development of this project was an intricate process, involving 3D modeling in Maya, hand-drawing textures in Procreate, and back-end coding in Unity. The challenge was to balance technical precision with creative storytelling, ensuring the message was not just heard but felt. The incorporation of environmental sounds, realistic textures, and interactive elements in VR was critical in creating an authentic and engaging experience.
A Journey of Discovery
and Awareness.
Throughout the development of "What If One Day", I engaged in extensive research, exploring the underlying causes of overconsumption and its environmental impact. This involved analyzing consumer behavior, particularly among the mobile youth, to understand their motivations and barriers to sustainable living. The insights gained were instrumental in shaping the narrative and ensuring the VR experience resonated with the target audience.
Ongoing Evolution.
What you see today on this page is the initial prototype of "What If One Day". However, the project is a living entity, continuously evolving. I have been gathering feedback and insights from various environmental specialists to refine and enhance both the concept and the visuals. My goal is to create not just a one-time experience but a lasting impact, prompting people to rethink their consumption habits and take proactive steps towards a sustainable future.
Conclusion.
For me, "What If One Day" is more than just a Capstone project; it's a call to action. It represents my commitment to using innovative technology for meaningful change. Through this immersive VR experience, I hope to encourage a reevaluation of our daily choices and foster a more sustainable and conscious approach to consumption.