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XRcise

XRcise

What if a love for sport was all it took to turn strangers into teammates, no matter where in the world they are?

What if a love for sport was all it took to turn strangers into teammates, no matter where in the world they are?

Role

UX Researcher , Prototype Designer

Team

David Lam, Yasmine Rowe (GBDA 301)

Time

Spring 2024, 3 months

Tech

Figma, Styly, Illustrator, Premiere Pro

ux / ui

ux / ui

ux / ui

user research

user research

user research

xr prototyping

xr prototyping

In today's interconected world, technology offers unique opportunities to bridge the divide between international and domestic students, enhancing community bonds and supporting mental health. One groundbreaking approach involves the use of virtual reality (VR), enabling students to engage in sports witin iconic stadiums and popular fields worldwide.

XRcise : A Sports Revolution is a VR app concept that looks to do this.

In today's interconected world, technology offers unique opportunities to bridge the divide between international and domestic students, enhancing community bonds and supporting mental health. One groundbreaking approach involves the use of virtual reality (VR), enabling students to engage in sports witin iconic stadiums and popular fields worldwide.

XRcise : A Sports Revolution is a VR app concept that looks to do this.

Project Definition

User Research

Low-Fidelity

User Testing & Analysis

Low-Fidelity Iteration

Game & Brand Definition

High-Fidelity

User Testing & Analysis

High-Fidelity Iteration

The XRcise project proved how powerful immersive technology can be when designed with purpose. By allowing students to connect through sports, the concept tapped into something deeper than just game play. It became a bridge for culture, community, and well-being. Throiugh hands-on prototyping and user testing, the team was able to refine both the interactiuon and emotional tone of the experience to create something that is both accessible and impactful.

The XRcise project proved how powerful immersive technology can be when designed with purpose. By allowing students to connect through sports, the concept tapped into something deeper than just game play. It became a bridge for culture, community, and well-being. Throiugh hands-on prototyping and user testing, the team was able to refine both the interactiuon and emotional tone of the experience to create something that is both accessible and impactful.

Key Takeaways

Prototyping with Purpose
Building both low- and high-fidelity prototypes revealed the importance of progressively layering complexity. Early-stage wireframes allowed us to quickly test interaction flows and core mechanics, while high-fidelity prototypes brought the brand, UI, and emotional appeal to life. Each fidelity level served a distinct purpose in shaping and validating the experience.

Prototyping with Purpose
Building both low- and high-fidelity prototypes revealed the importance of progressively layering complexity. Early-stage wireframes allowed us to quickly test interaction flows and core mechanics, while high-fidelity prototypes brought the brand, UI, and emotional appeal to life. Each fidelity level served a distinct purpose in shaping and validating the experience.

User Testing is Not Optional
Testing with users at both stages unveiled critical insights that we wouldn’t have otherwise uncovered. From motion sickness concerns and onboarding confusion to surprisingly emotional responses to playing sports in familiar stadiums, each session refined our understanding of user needs. This iterative feedback directly informed changes in interaction design, interface clarity, and narrative elements.

User Testing is Not Optional
Testing with users at both stages unveiled critical insights that we wouldn’t have otherwise uncovered. From motion sickness concerns and onboarding confusion to surprisingly emotional responses to playing sports in familiar stadiums, each session refined our understanding of user needs. This iterative feedback directly informed changes in interaction design, interface clarity, and narrative elements.

Immersion Needs Context
While VR’s immersion is powerful, it’s not always intuitive. We learned that contextual onboarding and environmental cues (like tutorial prompts or crowd noise) significantly enhance user comfort and reduce cognitive load in unfamiliar VR spaces.

Immersion Needs Context
While VR’s immersion is powerful, it’s not always intuitive. We learned that contextual onboarding and environmental cues (like tutorial prompts or crowd noise) significantly enhance user comfort and reduce cognitive load in unfamiliar VR spaces.

Cultural Universality of Play
One of the most rewarding insights was seeing when sports are placed in iconic venues, it sparks conversations and promotes connection across cultures. This reinforced our belief that playful competition and shared physical movement are universal languages that support social integration.

Cultural Universality of Play
One of the most rewarding insights was seeing when sports are placed in iconic venues, it sparks conversations and promotes connection across cultures. This reinforced our belief that playful competition and shared physical movement are universal languages that support social integration.

Throughout the project, it became clear that successful VR design is rooted in empathy and iteration. Real user input at every stage revealed what worked, what didn’t, and what could be better. Each round of prototyping and testing moved the experience closer to something that not only functioned well, but felt meaningful. By prioritizing inclusion, accessibility, and emotional engagement, XRcise became more than just a concept. It became a tool for connection.

Throughout the project, it became clear that successful VR design is rooted in empathy and iteration. Real user input at every stage revealed what worked, what didn’t, and what could be better. Each round of prototyping and testing moved the experience closer to something that not only functioned well, but felt meaningful. By prioritizing inclusion, accessibility, and emotional engagement, XRcise became more than just a concept. It became a tool for connection.

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