CASE STUDY: AR/VR CONVERSION
Tilt Five AR to Meta Quest VR Conversion
Rapidly porting PACE's interactive construction assembly experience to VR with enhanced features and user experience.
The Challenge: Rapid AR to VR Conversion Under Pressure
PACE possessed an interactive construction assembly tutorial built for the Tilt Five Augmented Reality system. They urgently needed to convert this application to the Meta Quest VR platform to meet an impending deadline. The core challenge involved not only porting the application but also adapting the unique interaction model of Tilt Five (wand and board) to standard VR controllers. Initial discussions explored ambitious environment enhancements using real-world topography, adding scope complexity. Furthermore, investigations revealed that some core mechanics in the original Tilt Five project, like the step-by-step assembly logic (TaskListManager), were incomplete or malfunctioning, requiring significant rework beyond a simple port.
Our Solution: Agile Conversion and Feature Enhancement
TopCode adopted an agile approach focused on rapid iteration and core functionality. The initial, complex environment goals were revised in collaboration with the client to a more achievable overhead map view with a zoom-in/out capability, preserving visual context without derailing the timeline. Key steps included:
- Platform Porting: Seamlessly integrated the Meta Quest (Oculus) SDK, removing Tilt Five dependencies while preserving essential project structure.
- Interaction Redesign: Mapped the original wand-based interactions to Oculus Quest controllers, ensuring intuitive object selection, grabbing, and placement within the VR space. Addressed issues with unresponsive UI elements from the original project.
- Mechanics Overhaul: Re-engineered the core construction assembly logic. Implemented a robust system for selecting parts, animating their movement (lerping) into place, and ensuring correct sequencing via the task list, fixing issues present in the original codebase.
- Enhanced Visualization: Developed a toggleable overhead map view providing environmental context. Created a custom shader to enable smooth zoom-in/out functionality, allowing users to closely inspect the model or view it within its surroundings.
- User Experience Improvements: Incorporated an AI-generated voiceover tutorial guiding users through the interactions. Added and iteratively refined visual cues (like placement highlights/arrows, later removed based on feedback) to assist with component placement. Implemented client branding (logo, UI color scheme) based on provided guidelines.
- Iterative Feedback: Maintained close communication with the client, providing frequent video updates of progress, allowing for quick feedback loops and adjustments (e.g., UI design preferences, removal of visual guides).
Main menu adapted for VR with PACE branding.
Interactive component placement during assembly.
Zoomable overhead map view for context.
Integrated tutorial elements guiding the user.
The Outcome: Successful VR Conversion Delivered On Time
Despite the tight deadline and the need to rework core mechanics, TopCode successfully converted the PACE construction tutorial from Tilt Five AR to a fully functional Meta Quest VR application. The final build (APK) and complete codebase were delivered within the agreed-upon timeframe of approximately 1.5 weeks. The solution addressed the client's core need for platform portability while enhancing the user experience through improved interactions, a helpful tutorial, and refined visuals like the zoomable map view. The iterative process ensured the final product aligned with the client's evolving requirements and feedback.
Throughout the rapid conversion process, the client expressed appreciation for the progress and the resulting application. Feedback highlighted the developer's effective project management and responsiveness in incorporating adjustments, noting that the application was "looking great" and commending the "Great management" in handling the complexities and delivering on time.
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