
10-05-2022
Ep 24: User focused design for VR experiences with Rupert Breheny
In the latest episode of the Building New Realities podcast, Tim chats with Rupert Breheny about his work on Google Earth VR, his observations and lessons as a UX designer focussed on virtual reality and the future of immersive technology. They cover the power of VR to improve accessibility, digital anthropology and the importance of designing with a customer focus.
Guest Bio
Rupert is an experienced technology advocate and conference speaker, specialising in VR/AR and mobile ecommerce, particularly in the fashion vertical. He builds partnerships and wrangles technology to launch products that drive both business value and user delight.
Highlight 1 - Using VR to unite different generations
00:09:34:15 - 00:10:57:02… I live in Zurich, Switzerland I’m quite enthusiastic about that too
Highlight 2 - Digital anthropology and the importance of face-to-face testing
00:24:30:06 - 00:26:33:23… when I was a UX prototyper see it for yourself in person
Additional Resources
Rupert’s links
LinkedIn
mentioned:
Unseen Diplomacy:
mentioned:
Imposter Syndrome
Simulation Theory
Recommendations
Heaven and Hell, Aldous. Huxley
Three-Body Problem, Cixin Liu
of Babylon by Ted Chiang
Susanna Clarke
Crash: Neal Stephenson
of Hyperion, Dan Simmons
Transcript
00:00 - 00:49 Introduction
00:50 - 01:29 Rupert explains what his role is at Google
01:30 - 03:21 Rupert talks about his first experience with VR in the 80’s
04:22 - 09:29 What does building new realities mean to you?
09:30 - 12:44 Using VR to access the non-accessible.
12:45 - 20:18 User Design for VR
20:19 - 22:28 Observing and learning from how people react in VR
22:29 - 23:54 Using novel mechanics and using the natural playfulness of VR to heighten immersion for users.
23:55 - 30:33 Digital anthropology, face to face testing and customer focus
30:34 - 33:54 Sacrificing aesthetics for performance in immersive design
33:55 - 46:21 The future of social interaction and games in the metaverse
46:22 - 48:51 What project has changed the way you approach design?
48:52 - 01:01:08 Rupert’s future trends: Avatars, virtual clothing, architecture and NFTs.
01:01:02 - 01:05:59 Gaining perspective and “opening your eyes”
01:06:00 - 01:07:48 If you had $100m to spend on a social programme with no red tape, what would you do?
01:07:49 - 01:12:00 Rupert’s favourite theories and book recommendations
01:12:01 - 01:12:55 Closing comments
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