Ashley's in-class activity (Project 1)

Setup (5 minutes)

1. Install SideQuest

2. Download the .apk file linked here

Explore similar software for Desktop (7 minutes)

A research team at Arizona State University visualized 6 different biomes for VR in their research project, Virtual Biomes. Visit their website linked here and explore Rainforest and Savanna biomes by clicking the image. Please feel free to check out videos and other media linked in each environment!

Explore habitats in Oculus VR (10 minutes)

Navigation

• Right hand A button: to visit a habitat from the Home screen

• Right hand trigger: to press the “Back To Home” button

• Head movement: for viewpoint change

1. On the Home screen, select “Forest” and explore the 360 degree image loaded into the environment. Take a screenshot of your favorite view.

2. When you’re done exploring the forest, press the “Back To Home” button and select “Savanna”. I created this environment using a skybox, grass textures, and tree prefabs I downloaded from Unity’s Asset StoreWhile exploring this environment, take a screenshot of your favorite view.

3. (Optional) If you have time, also explore Wetland

Explore primate data visualizations in Oculus VR (8 minutes)

Please note that this is still a work in progress!

Navigation

• Right hand trigger: to press the “Back To Home” button

• Right hand A button: to enter visualization from a habitat

• Right hand joystick: to move the player backward/forward/left/right

• Right hand B button: to return to habitat in visualization

• Head movement: for viewpoint change

Legend

• Sphere diameter = body mass in kilogram *10

• Sphere colors

  • Red: insectivore

  • Green: Frugivore

  • Blue: Folivore

  • Cyan: Folivore and Frugivore

  • Magenta: Omnivore

  • White: Gummivore

1. On the Home screen, select “Forest”. Once you’re in the forest environment, press the "Visualization" button

2. "Walk round" in the environment using your right hand joystick. You can also move your head to view the visualization from different angles. Move towards a sphere and take a screenshot in which the species it represents is visible.

3. If you have time, explore data visualizations from other habitats too.

Collaboration (5 minutes)

In a group of 2-3 people, discuss the following questions and record your answer in this google form:

1. What are some features that Virtual Biomes (desktop VR) had that you wish the VR environment I created with Unity also had?

2. Recall the 2 modes of habitat visualization I used in my VR app (360 degree image as in forest and wetland vs. Unity’s assets as in savanna). What are some pros and cons of these visualization modes in terms of visualization quality and immersiveness?

3. What functionalities would you add to or modify in primate diet and body mass visualizations?