A 3D VR application designed for immersive data visualization, enabling users to explore and interact with complex datasets in a dynamic, spatial environment.

3D Data Visualization in VR

My Role

UI/UX Designer

Project

Group Project

Tools Used

Unity3D, Figma, Meta Quest 2, VSC

Timeline

Winter 2024

Overview

Project Overview

This project aimed to develop a 3D data visualization application for Meta Quest 2 VR that provides users with an immersive and intuitive way to explore complex datasets. The primary goal was to enable users to upload CSV files and interact with their data in a dynamic, spatial environment, offering deeper insights through visualization and user interaction. The motivation stemmed from a desire to merge VR’s immersive capabilities with data analysis, addressing the challenge of making abstract data more accessible and engaging.

Initial Thinking

  • Data analysts, researchers, and business professionals who work with large datasets

  • VR enthusiasts who seek innovative tools for data exploration

Target Users

  1. How might we make data more understandable and interactive in a VR environment?

  2. How might we simplify the process of uploading and filtering datasets for users?

  3. How might we ensure the interface is intuitive and minimizes discomfort in VR?

How Might We Questions

  • Competitive analysis of existing 2D and 3D data visualization tools

  • In-person inquiries and opinions

Research Methods

User Research

Background Research

  • Identify existing online sites or programs related to data visualization

  • Identify user challenges in large datasets

  • Evaluate user expectations for interactivity in VR

  • Determine accessibility needs

  • Benchmark against existing tools

Research Goals

  • Easy data upload and processing

  • Clear visualization of multiple variables

  • Intuitive interaction mechanisms

  • A visually minimal and distraction-free interface

Target Needs and Goals

Research 1 - Existing Systems

  • Tableau (2D visualization)

  • Power BI (business analytics platform)

  • Flow Immersive (VR storytelling and data visualization tool)

Benchmarked Tools:

Key Insights

2D tools are effective for professionals but lack immersion and depth for complex data relationships.

Existing VR tools tend to prioritize storytelling over raw data exploration.

User Responses

Research 2 - User Responses*

VR provides deeper insights into datasets?

agree

80%

How strong do you feel existing tools are?

out of 10 average

5.5

If you know/use any tools, which ones?

  • Tableau

  • Google Charts

Is there anything you want out of this tool?

Patterns and Relationships

Instant Visualization

Integration with other tools

Customizable

Ability to compare data

  1. Data upload complexities: Users want a quick method for importing data.

  2. Overwhelming interfaces: Complex UI designs in VR often lead to cognitive overload.

  3. Navigation difficulties: Moving through large data visualizations can be confusing in VR without clear cues.

  4. Lack of feedback systems: Users need immediate and clear feedback for interactions like filtering or hovering over data points.

Research Findings/Pain Points

* We did not conduct full user surveys/interviews, so this information is based on verbal conversations with peers and other individuals about the project concept and execution

Problem Statement

Data visualization tools lack spatial interactivity. A VR platform is needed for intuitive, user-friendly exploration.

Prototype

Initial Design

Temporary UI placement holders while we worked on the functionality of our program

  • World-space UI Panels: Floating panels for data upload, filtering, and exploration

  • Simple Interaction Flow: Easy upload for importing files and intuitive controllers for navigation

  • Clear UI Navigation: Bold color choices and button designs for user navigation

Design Decisions

Design Concept

Visual Identity

High-fidelity Design

Design Solution

01

Immersive Data Panels

Users can access key tools like filters, zoom, and details through floating UI panels. Panels adjust and move with the user in the virtual space.

02

Dynamic Data Interaction

Users can click on data points to reveal contextual information. Tools for moving and adjusting datasets ensure real-time responsiveness.

03

Intuitive Navigation

Users can move and zoom into the displayed graph of data points using slider controllers on a panel in front of them.

04

VR Integration

Implementing VR-specific interactions like controller-based point-and-click mechanics. Ensures a smooth, immersive experience with ergonomic design and minimal cognitive load.

Impact

Transforms data exploration by enabling users to interact with complex datasets in an immersive, intuitive VR environment

User Feedback

Usability Testing

  • Test users felt the VR environment provided a unique perspective on their datasets.

  • Over 90% of users reported that the floating UI panels were easy to use and non-intrusive.

  • Users appreciated the tooltip functionality and the ability to filter data in real-time.

Key Feedback

  • "The world-space UI was intuitive and easy to access without being overwhelming."

  • "This app made it fun to explore data I’d typically analyze in Excel."

  • "I’d love to see more customization options for data visualization styles."

Reflection

Takeaways

This project emphasized the importance of designing for usability and accessibility in VR. By focusing on user needs, I was able to create a tool that combines functionality with an engaging, immersive experience. User feedback and testing highlighted key pain points and helped shape solutions that enhanced interactivity and simplified workflows.

If I had more time, I would have conducted additional user testing with a broader audience to refine the interface and explore further integrations with other data visualization tools. I would also spend more time refining the VR functionalities, as we struggled a lot with getting everything implemented and functioning (in VR) before the deadline.

Presenting this project allowed me to see how impactful intuitive design can be in empowering users to interact with complex datasets. I learned that as a UX designer, my role extends beyond solving problems—it’s about creating meaningful, accessible experiences that make technology feel approachable and effective.

I had a great time learning so many new concepts on my first ever VR project!