Blockhead VR
During the Material in Design course at Simon Fraser University, my team, consisting of Riley, Robert, Ernie, and myself, embarked on an exciting final project to create a virtual reality headset using two random materials. Throughout the four-week timeframe, we engaged in a comprehensive process that involved sketching, prototyping, designing, building, and creating an infographic. The project's success was a testament to our dedication to great design solutions, resulting in a truly rewarding outcome.
My Role
In my role as the lead designer for the project, I took on the responsibility of creating the infographic, actively contributed to the research, sketching, and designing phases, and played a vital role in presenting our work. Additionally, I came up with the name "Blockhead VR," adding a unique and memorable touch to our creation.
Problem
The project presented a challenging twist, as we had to select two random materials from a hat to build the VR headset. Luck wasn't on our side, and I drew wood and metal, the two heaviest materials. We all laughed at the irony of my luck, but that didn't bring us all down. Instead, our team took on the task with determination and creativity, turning this challenge into an opportunity for innovative design solutions.
Headset Weight
Given that the majority of the headset's weight would be concentrated in the front, our primary challenge was to find a solution that minimized weight. Additionally, being mindful of our budget constraints as students, we sought cost-effective, lightweight, and flexible options for the wood and metal materials to ensure an optimal design outcome.
Comfort
As previously mentioned, addressing the weight distribution was crucial to ensuring a comfortable user experience and minimizing any pressure or discomfort on the face. Our team worked diligently to devise a solution that provided a pleasant and immersive VR experience without compromising on comfort.
Secure
Given the weight of the headset, it was imperative for us to develop a secure and adjustable fitting mechanism to accommodate users across the 95th percentile. We recognized the importance of ensuring a comfortable and customizable fit to cater to a wide range of individuals.
Source of Audio
Addressing this matter required us to explore audio integration options and devise a solution that would provide users with a seamless and immersive audio experience.
Goal
The primary goal of our project was to craft a lightweight and minimalist VR headset using wood and metal. To achieve this, we selected balsa wood for its affordability and lightweight properties, while aluminum was chosen for its lightness, flexibility, and sturdiness to support the wood's weight. For seamless audio integration, we opted for bluetooth earbuds, eliminating the need for drilling holes and reducing additional wires. To ensure user comfort, we strategically added padding to the nose area and smoothed any sharp corners, creating a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. Lastly, I came up with the idea to use helmet straps to secure the headset, allowing users to adjust the size to their head for a personalized fit.
Early Ideation
These sketches represent the initial exploration of the VR headset design. They serve as a foundation for our brainstorming and iterative refinement process before moving on to creating our own prototypes.
These prototypes mark the initial iterations of our design, providing valuable insights into what works well and identifying the challenges we need to address and solve. (My prototype is the one on the top left. The cardboard represents wood and the white paper represents metal.)
The cluster of images provides a comprehensive display of the final wireframe, which the team collectively agreed upon. Given its intended use for building the final prototype, we incorporated additional details to ensure a thorough and accurate representation of our vision.
This is the final prototype, showcasing the best components from each individual design. Incorporating the idea of using metal and wood at the top of the head, we ensured support with helmet straps. (The cardboard represents wood and the white paper represents metal.)
The cluster of images showcases the designated area for placing the smartphone and illustrates the construction process. As a team, we agreed that this design approach offered quick access and seamless insertion of the phone into the VR headset.
These preliminary renders, skillfully created by Ernie using MAYA software, offer a visual representation based on the final prototype design.
Skills & Tools
Skills
Research
Copywriting
Sketching
Prototyping
Building
Testing
Graphic Design
Presenting
Tools
Illustrator
Photoshop
Figma
Lasercutter
Drill
Blow Dryer
Process
First, Riley and I collaborated, drawing from our previous project experience, and extensively researched the advantages of using balsa wood, which emerged as the ideal wood for the VR headset due to its lightweight and cost-effectiveness. Drawing inspiration from smartphones, particularly Apple conferences, we recognized the benefits of aluminum—its lightweight and flexible properties—which led us to agree on using aluminum as our metal; after completing our own research. With our material choices finalized, we advanced to the sketching phase.
Following the individual sketching phase, we collaborated to consolidate the best elements into a cohesive prototype. Upon reviewing the prototype, the name "Blockhead VR" resonated with me because of its appearance and weight potential. Pleased with the final design, we eagerly moved on to the building phase. To ensure the headset remained as light as possible, we opted to laser cut balsa wood boards into smaller pieces. This approach allowed us to stack lightweight components instead of using a single large block, granting us greater control over the headset's weight. Additionally, we cut extra pieces as a precaution.
Following the laser cuts, Robert skillfully stained the balsa wood, enhancing its visual appeal. In parallel, he began assembling the outer components of the headset with great attention to detail and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, I worked closely with Riley, providing valuable assistance in assembling the component where the smartphone would be securely placed within the VR headset. Our collaborative efforts ensured a seamless integration of the device, contributing to the overall functionality and usability of the design. To ensure a secure fit, we devised a solution involving a long piece crafted from both metal and wood, spanning from the forehead to the back of the head. This design allowed us to attach helmet straps, providing the necessary stability and comfort for users while wearing the VR headset.
As part of the project's requirements, we aimed to create an illustration of the final version of the headset. To achieve this, Ernie skillfully utilized Maya to bring the design to life with a detailed and visually appealing representation. In addition to my role in assisting with the building of the headset, I took charge of creating the infographic.
Final Designs
Introducing the final product, Blockhead VR! In this design, we chose aluminum for the front to maintain a clean and minimalist appearance, placing emphasis on the material's prominence in the project. To ensure sturdiness, wood glue and screws were employed to securely fasten the wood and metal components at the top and sides. Velcro was integrated into the head support for added comfort, preventing direct contact between the user's hair and the wood and metal. Additionally, the wood was ingeniously used to secure the helmet straps in place.
The top section of the headset accommodates the user's eyes, where we ensured added comfort by smoothing out the wood with sandpaper and placing a cushion near the nose area. Below, there is a designated area for the user's smartphone, positioned facing the eyes. To protect the phone, we incorporated a soft material, and the wood is strategically slanted to prevent any sliding.
Presented here are the final renders of the headset, meticulously crafted by Ernie using MAYA. These comprehensive renders showcase the front, side, and top views of the product, capturing its design in detail.
I am pleased to present the infographic I meticulously designed for the showcase portion. My primary objective was to adopt a minimalist approach, directing attention towards the physical product itself. Consequently, I strategically utilized ample white space, ensuring readability and reducing visual complexity. For the text elements, I opted for the DIN font type, renowned for its clean and sleek appearance, which further accentuated the overall aesthetic. To enhance the representation of the headset's blockiness, I carefully selected the Arboria-Black font for the title, aligning it with the essence of the product. Through this infographic, I aimed to strike a balance between simplicity and visual impact, ensuring that the headset's unique features and attributes are conveyed effectively. Link to the full infographic.
Reflection
The project proved to be highly successful, earning us an A grade. While the random selection of wood and metal materials presented an unexpected challenge, our adaptability and teamwork allowed us to craft a well-made virtual reality headset. One valuable lesson learned was the importance of having a designated control check individual, as a teammate's decision-making caused setbacks that we had to overcome. Despite facing challenges such as waiting times for the laser cutting machine and quality control issues during the building phase, we managed to address them and deliver a commendable final product. Overall, I am very pleased with the final result of the headset.