Immersive Spatial Design

As virtual worlds and spatial experiences evolve, our holistic perception of design is gradually changing. Spatial computing (melding virtual content and real-world experience) is super-charging how we experience XR (extended reality). Game engines continue to advance allowing virtual worlds to be more realistic and expansive. Design principles currently re-shaping Web3 (the evolving concept of the next generation of the internet) and XR are also influencing real architectural environments.

Occupants of physical spaces are looking for more immersive and sensory-filled experiences in real life (IRL). From flagship retail stores to workplaces to experiential pop-ups and across mixed realities, the ways we deliver layered engagement have dramatically evolved. Opportunities to maximize storytelling and stimulate the senses can now take new depths - unifying the best of the physical and virtual world.

Evolving Display Technology

Display technology is evolving faster than ever before, providing larger canvases, hyper-realistic resolutions, and even transparency that augments physical environments across industry verticals. For example, as retail brands expand their reach into Web3 and virtual spaces, they are dialing up immersion at physical stores. Brands are going bigger and bolder with technology to create digital canvases that immerse customers, keeping them engaged longer in hopes of capturing more of their valuable time and spending power. We are seeing more experience-oriented retail stores, some of which don’t stock much inventory but open the door for customers to engage with their brand story, innovation, and products, allowing transactions at the customer’s choosing and preferred channel.

 
In the workplace, wellness pods to help staff escape and recharge surrounded by digital nature-themed canvases are becoming more frequent. And experience centers featuring immersive digital and interactive collaborative experiences are on the rise.

Augmenting Architectural Design

Advancements in display technology have become transformative in architecture and branded environment design. One major leap making waves in both the tech and design industries is transparent display technology. With many formats now established like OLED, Micro LED, film, mesh, and glass, these displays are revolutionizing not only digital signage but also reshaping interior spaces.

The ability to overlay digital content and augment physical environments that can be shared with others IRL represents a significant leap similar to that of XR and spatial computing. Designers can integrate these displays seamlessly into architectural elements such as windows, partitions, and even unique sculptural installations. With all these advancements, innovative approaches to designing immersive experiences are required.

Spatial Design Thinking

Analyzing spatial design thinking across both physical and virtual environments will provide new perspectives for creating immersive environments. Accordingly, Spatial UX design, (aptly defined as the practice of arranging and organizing physical or virtual spaces to optimize functionality, aesthetics, and the user experience) focuses on creating and seamlessly blending digital experiences within physical environments to enhance user engagement and interaction. The importance of context, immersion, and spatial awareness are emphasized to deliver intuitive and meaningful experiences. Considering key spatial UI (user interface) design principles like depth, dimension, and scale aids experiential designers in strategizing human-centered experiences for both virtual and physical spaces.

Spatial UI Principles

Apple has done a great job in providing design standards for spatial user interfaces. The Vision Pro is the most advanced XR device taking us into the era of spatial computing. However, as impressive as the device and eco-system are, it is the usability of an interface’s design that will help reshape the way we interact with spatial interfaces.

One key principle that drives all great UX is to make experiences intuitive or familiar. Users should be able to easily navigate and control interfaces. As they toggle between VR, fully immersed in virtual spaces, and AR, where virtual objects are layered within a real physical environment, a seamless and logical transition is vital across both. Applying these experiences to the real world, we begin to explore designing for mixed display technologies like transparent displays layered in front of larger digital canvases within real physical environments to add that element of depth. If our main content is on a larger display, the smaller transparent display can act as a control display. This is a great practice for transparent interactive touch displays as layered technology to augment physical environments.

Spatial Content Design

While transparent display technology holds immense potential, it also presents challenges in rethinking the way we design spatial content and interfaces. Designers must carefully balance the benefits of transparency with practical considerations to ensure positive user experiences and long-term viability. Good design is always human-centered. The placement of content has a big effect on user comfort and reaction. Layering UI elements within shells, windows, navigation bars, and tabs, can help users feel familiar with an interface. Surface materials like glass can provide transparency, augmented through shading, opacity, and blur sometimes referred to as Glassmorphism.

Conclusion

As transparent display technology continues to evolve, its integration with spatial UX design is poised to reshape the way we perceive and interact with physical spaces. By seamlessly blending digital and physical elements, architects and experience designers can create environments that are not only functional, aesthetically pleasing, and support brand but also immersive and responsive to user needs. The future of architectural design lies at the intersection of technology and the user experience, where transparency opens new doors to creativity and innovation. As we intuitively adopt these new yet familiar interfaces, a natural acceptance and even desire for multi-layered and augmented experiences will shape both virtual and physical environments.

References
Apple Vision OS
IA Interior Architects IDS2024 Future Neighborhood
LG Transparent Display Technology