Week four update:
Week four we have been working full steam ahead on getting our technical goldspike done. We’ve gotten our two Vive Pros networked in the modified Hearth room, with simple player embodiment and voice chat. This goldspike will be tested on Friday 9/21, and Sunday 9/23, where we will be collecting data on how users begin to interact, how much time they feel comfortable spending together in the space, and observational testing on how users enter the experience.
In addition to this, we plan to do non-virtual playtests to gather preliminary information on interactions we were thinking of investigating in VR. Namely invitation sequences and how much agency we give the guest and host in entering the space. We also plan on running scenarios where we observe testers performing simple interactions together, such as planting flowers, feeding fish, or tossing coins in a well.
Design-wise, we have been working on the groundwork for our first prototype of four before halves. For virtual prototype 1, we plan to further investigate the methods of entry in the Hearth. We plan to have our design team work one week ahead of our tech team so we can get solid design documents and testing parameters, as well as review the feasibility of prototyping those interactions in our week-long sprints.
Going into quarters we plan to show our design work, goldspike, as well as our plans for the rest of the semester. Team Abode is excited to finally start development!
