Now that my concept was locked down and I had a decent understanding of the software and the hardware, I could finally get to work making the application. I worked on campus for a few weeks on creating the terrain for the world, as well as coding some scripts with the help of YouTube tutorials that allowed me to create basic functionality for the user; things like being able to move around and pick objects up using the VR hardware.
Then, COVID shut down the campus and I could no longer work on my project. I thought this was going to be a devastating blow to this application, but I underestimated my passion for it.
I asked for special permission to rent out and take home with me the WSU Design Program’s HTC Vive and Alienware PC so that I could continue to build my application over the rest of the semester back home. This allowed me to continue to work throughout the pandemic and to not lose any momentum I had going.
I ended the semester with a great foundation to build on: a solid concept that I was passionate about, an understanding of a new realm of technology, and a lot of drive to continue working on this project in the next semester after summer break. In this demo, the user was able to move around and explore the map, pick up and stack rocks found in various areas, and learn and practice meditation and mindfulness techniques in my first ever meditation station.