Immersive Design Experiences

Sensory Architecture: A Journey Through the Senses A client approached us with the vision of creating a wellness retreat that transcended the conventional. As with all our projects, we began with Land Studies, exploring its natural systems and understanding that the users were not the only guests but also the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the place. This research led us to question: What if architecture did not only adapt to nature but co-created with it? More than a physical space, a wellness retreat is an experience. Designing in harmony with nature means creating a living, responsive architecture that interacts with its surroundings and strengthens the connection between people and the natural world. To achieve this, we studied light, sound, wind, vegetation, temperature, smells, and the metaphysical features of the site, asking key questions like: How can sensory experiences promote healing? Each site visit revealed new aspects, allowing us to map natural rhythms—light movement, wind patterns, biodiversity, influenced by the time of day and the season of the year. Studying the senses can seem overwhelming due to their subjective nature, so it was essential to understand how to measure and quantify the effects of these sensory elements on well-being. •⁠ ⁠Sight and Light: Light, essential for visual perception, influences emotions and biological rhythms. Orange light (582-620 nm) stimulates vitality, while blue light enhances concentration but can disrupt sleep. Based on these effects, one can design lighting strategies that respond to the physical and emotional needs of users at different times of the day. •⁠ ⁠Sound and Frequencies: Sound travels in waves and affects mood. Low frequencies induce relaxation, while high frequencies create alertness. Mapping natural sounds—wind, water, birds—allows us to define zones of tranquility and areas with greater sensory stimulation.  - Touch and Textures: Tactile perception involves pressure, temperature, and texture. Smooth wooden surfaces convey warmth, while rough stone evokes stability. By analyzing local materials, we design spaces that foster relaxation and a connection with nature through touch. •⁠ ⁠Smell: Smell is linked to the limbic system, influencing emotions and memories. We identified natural fragrances—like citrus & wood—to integrate them into architecture and enhance well-being. For example, we aim to design an experience where guests wake up to the invigorating scent of citrus, promoting energy and alertness, and wind down at night with the calming aroma of lavender, encouraging restful sleep. To bring this vision to life, we are working with experts from various disciplines, focusing on ecology, environmental conservation, neuroscience, and the use of local materials and construction techniques. Sensory architecture transforms design into a living organism that breathes, listens, and responds.

This week's defining shift for me is that XR is a practical tool for reducing real-world risk. It helps people see what they are dealing with before they commit to a choice or an action. Teams can spot problems before they happen, drivers can get comfortable with harder scenarios before hitting the road, and shoppers can get a better feel for fit and style before purchase. Better awareness at the start tends to pay off later. This week’s news surfaced signals like these: 🏎️ Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 is using TeamViewer’s AR tools to speed up how its test rigs are put together. Engineers can point a tablet at the setup and see step-by-step guidance placed directly on the hardware. The overlays come from the team’s CAD files and help staff check part placement and confirm that everything is ready before testing starts. 😎 Tom Ford Fashion has added an AR try-on feature for its eyewear on its online stores. The experience, powered by Perfect Corp., uses a person’s pupillary distance to show frames at the right size on their face. This gives shoppers a more accurate sense of how different styles will look and can help cut down on returns. 🚘 South Carolina State University opened a VR training lab for commercial drivers, using full-size simulators to prepare people for roadway hazards such as fatigue, congestion, and aggressive driving. The system also captures physiological data to support safety research and improve training design. Why this matters: Tools that help people understand things earlier can lead to better outcomes. XR does this by making moments that used to feel uncertain easier to anticipate. As more organizations adopt it, the technology becomes a powerful way to bring more confidence into everyday decisions. #spatialcomputing #XR #virtualreality #VR #augmentedreality #AR

✅ 𝙼𝚒𝚌𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚘𝚏𝚝 𝙼𝚎𝚜𝚑 𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸'𝚖 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚒𝚝. Here's how I'm embracing the future of immersive workspaces: I use #Microsoft #Mesh every day. Just last days, I spent an hour creating a virtual collaboration space. I'm passionate about immersive technology. So let me share my hands-on experience: 🚀 Microsoft Mesh isn't just another tech trend; it's a transformative tool, merging AI, 3D workspaces, and spatial audio to redefine team interactions. ♻️ Built on the Azure platform, it offers features like avatars, co-presence, and rich virtual environments, making remote collaboration more engaging and effective. But what's the real magic of Microsoft Mesh? ➡️ For starters, it's about making remote work less isolating, more interactive. 🔝 I've seen firsthand how it builds stronger team bonds and boosts productivity. Let me show you: -- 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝗵: 🗝️ Start with a clear objective for your virtual space. 🗝️ Use Mesh's intuitive tools to create immersive environments. 🗝️ Integrate Mesh with Microsoft Teams for seamless collaboration. 🗝️ Engage in more natural and meaningful virtual meetings with spatial audio. 🗝️ Leverage avatars to maintain presence in digital meetings without video fatigue. 🗝️ Customize and use 3D environments for various business needs. 🗝️ Utilize Mesh's no-code editor for rapid event creation. ➡️ For developers: tap into Unity for fully customized immersive experiences. Explore the vast possibilities, from onboarding to virtual museums. Remember, it's about enhancing human connections, even remotely. These steps are more than just a process; they're a journey into the future of work. But if you're looking for more. 📌 Dive deeper into the technical aspects. 📌 Check out real-world applications and early adopters as highlighted in the Microsoft Tech Community. 📌 Visit the Microsoft 365 Blog for the latest on Mesh's capabilities and integration with Teams. 📌 This isn't just about following a trend. It's about shaping the future of collaboration and workplace dynamics. 📌 Microsoft Mesh is more than a tool; it's a game-changer. And I'm here to help you navigate this exciting new landscape. Want to see how Mesh transforms a typical workday? Follow me for more insights in 2024. 👉 Together with Engin Eser we plan a row of LinkedIn Lives to deep dive into Mesh.

While the world continues to be captivated by the advances in Artificial Intelligence, there’s another silent revolution unfolding, one that’s not just powering minds, but enhancing how we perceive, feel, and engage with reality. 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐀𝐑), 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐕𝐑), 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐗𝐑) 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 They are here, they are practical, and they are solving real-world problems in ways traditional technology cannot. In India, where the challenges of geography, affordability, access, and diversity intersect, AR, XR, and VR are becoming critical enablers of transformation—especially when integrated thoughtfully with AI. India is emerging as not only a fast adopter but also a high-potential creator in this space. In the 🎯 healthcare sector, Indian giants like Apollo Hospitals and healthtech platforms like MedAchievers have adopted VR-based training and patient rehabilitation. AR-assisted surgeries are helping surgeons visualize and execute complex procedures with higher precision. In the 🎯 manufacturing and heavy engineering sector, Tata Motors and Larsen & Toubro are leveraging AR for remote diagnostics, equipment training, and quality control on the assembly line. VR simulations are replacing costly physical prototypes in the design stage, and digital twins powered by XR are reducing error margins and boosting productivity—proven to increase operational efficiency by up to 30% according to McKinsey. 🎯In Rajasthan, VR-enabled science labs are enabling students in government schools to explore anatomy and physics beyond textbooks. 🎯 Real estate has embraced immersive technology with open arms. Noida-based startup SmartVizX has transformed project walk-throughs using VR, allowing clients—especially NRIs—to explore properties remotely. Top brands like Godrej Properties and DLF have reported a 25–30% higher lead conversion using VR-assisted sales kits. 🎯 Retail and e-commerce too are evolving beyond product images. Lenskart’s AR-powered virtual try-on, Tanishq’s immersive try-before-you-buy feature, and Reliance Trends’ AR dressing rooms are reducing product return rates and enhancing buyer confidence. These experiences build brand loyalty in an increasingly digital-first customer base. 🎯 In the tourism and culture sector, the Archaeological Survey of India and Incredible India campaigns have begun integrating AR/VR for virtual explorations of monuments like Hampi, Ajanta Caves, and Konark. We must not overlook the invisible interface layer that makes all this accessible, experiential, and real. AR/VR/XR is not just about entertainment or gaming; it’s about operational transformation, deeper engagement, and scalable problem-solving. If AI is the brain, XR is the nervous system connecting, visualizing, and enabling actions across sectors. #augmentedreality #virtualreality

Apple is timing smart glasses for September. Meta has pushed Quest 4 to 2027. The tech press has decided VR headsets are dead. I would believe that if I weren't reading the NHS Supply Chain pipeline notices. In February, NHS Supply Chain quietly published a £210m framework for medical simulation devices and immersive technology. Lot 1 is virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and projection-based simulation. The tender publishes on 2 July, with contracts running from May 2027 to 2029, extendable to 2031. It is, by some distance, the most concrete public-sector XR commitment in the UK this year. It is also the opposite of where the headlines are pointing. The smart-glasses pivot, after the Sama annotation story in March (Meta Ray-Ban footage of bank details and intimate moments routed to Kenyan workers, with no real opt-out), is a business-model decision dressed up as a platform shift. An always-on camera on every face is what makes the unit economics of an ad company work. It is not what makes XR useful. Useful XR has a context. It trains a surgeon. It walks an apprentice through a procedure. It puts a potential donar in front of a village ravaged by rabies, a brand inside a showroom, a heritage collection inside a school. The £210m NHS framework is built on that premise. So is most of the work we have made for the last fifteen years. The headset is not dead. The "spatial computing on every face, all day" idea probably is more dead in the water. #SpatialComputing #XR #ImmersiveTech #HealthTech

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 — 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁 • No visible gadgets. No expressive louvers. No sustainability labels. • The façade works through depth: recessed openings reduce heat gain, soften daylight, and improve privacy in one move. • Wall thickness acts as thermal buffer — slowing heat transfer instead of fighting it with machines. • The section makes the logic obvious: slabs align with openings, edges become shade, and mass stores temperature rather than rejecting it. • Internally, everyday life fits naturally into these pockets of depth — sitting, working, pausing — without needing added elements. • This is environmental design embedded in form, not applied as a layer after aesthetics are decided. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: When climate response is designed into geometry, the building doesn’t need to explain itself — it simply performs. #ClimateResponsiveDesign #PassiveArchitecture #FaçadeDesign #SectionMatters #ArchitecturalLogic #MishulGupta

AR museums (Ghost in the Shell Tokyo) 🤩 This is the XR use case I've been waiting to see scaled properly. KDDI, STYLY, Inc., and XREAL just launched a Ghost in the Shell AR exhibition in Tokyo running hundreds of headsets simultaneously for visitors. Not a one‑time demo. Not a press event. An actual repeatable, operational experience. Anyone who's worked in XR knows how rare that is. Most projects get stuck in pilot mode forever because the operational side – device management, indoor positioning, guest experience at scale – never quite comes together. This one did. And that's what makes it interesting to me, not the IP or the visuals, but the fact that someone figured out how to run it as a real product. If this becomes a blueprint, museums and cultural spaces could finally treat XR as part of the core visitor journey rather than a side attraction they pull out for opening night. Would you visit an AR‑enhanced exhibition like this, or do you prefer the traditional experience? Genuinely curious! 😊 #XR #AR #ImmersiveTech #LocationBasedXR #ExperienceDesign #Museums

Why Responsive Spaces Are the Future of Experience Design Steven Mark Kübler’s Sound Paintings adapt to presence, movement, and even subtle rhythms like breath or heartbeat. This level of interactivity transforms art into a deeply personal experience. These principles are shaping how spaces can engage people, offering dynamic and memorable interactions. Key Principles Behind Sound Paintings Kübler’s approach highlights three important aspects of interaction design: - Agency and Control: People crave involvement. Interactive spaces offer more than observation; they let visitors shape the experience, fulfilling the expectations of a generation raised on gaming and participatory media. - Neuroscience at Play: Responsive environments activate natural instincts for exploration, focus, and problem-solving. Seeing a space react to input reinforces attention and heightens the sense of reward. - Collective Engagement: Shared experiences amplify enjoyment. Watching others interact with a space creates a ripple effect, sparking curiosity and a sense of community. What This Means for Retail, Hospitality, and Beyond Interactive art like Sound Paintings isn’t only for galleries. It sets a precedent for what’s possible in spaces where brands connect with people. - Retail: Imagine stores where displays shift based on customer movement, creating a journey through the space rather than a static environment. - Hospitality: Picture a hotel lobby that adjusts its lighting and soundscape based on the energy of its guests, creating comfort and intrigue in equal measure. Public Spaces: Consider installations that encourage collective play, building connections between strangers and transforming the atmosphere of entire neighborhoods. Takeaways for Designers and Brands - Interactive environments build stronger emotional connections, turning passive visitors into active participants. - Spaces that respond to movement, sound, or presence heighten focus and engagement. - Shared interactivity fosters community, leaving people with a sense of joy and belonging. Looking Ahead Kübler’s work demonstrates the power of responsive spaces to reshape engagement. These ideas provide a foundation for creating environments that are more interactive, meaningful, and aligned with how people naturally connect to the world around them. Younger audiences, shaped by gaming, expect to be part of the story. They want interaction, not observation~ storyliving over storytelling ~ conversations over lectures. Spaces that invite co-creation spark deeper connections and keep brands relevant in an interactive world. #art #inspiration #experiencedesign ---- (( Hi! Thanks for reading to the end ~ I'm Kristoff Doria di Cirie, an experience design consultant for retail and hospitality. Are you curious about turning dead spaces into thriving brand hubs? Learn more on my Substack or book a call through my profile. ))

Try What social housing can relearn from climate-responsive design (without copying it outright). This is Paral·lel, a housing scheme in Mallorca designed by OHLAB ARCHITECTURE LAB SLP. It looks amazing, but the real value is in how it works. Adjustable wooden shutters give residents control over: - solar gain in winter - shading and overheating risk in summer - comfort, without heavy reliance on mechanical systems This isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about designing with climate, behaviour and health in mind. In the UK, we focus heavily on energy efficiency and retrofit But too often, technical fixes crowd out the basics: - passive design - ventilation and moisture balance - resident control When homes overheat or trap moisture, the health impacts are real, especially for children, older residents and those with respiratory conditions. This isn't about “build Mediterranean homes in Britain.” It’s about that: - Good design reduces risk before systems are added - Resident agency matters as much as performance specs - Healthy homes sit at the intersection of fabric, climate and human behaviour As we invest billions into existing homes..... where are we over-engineering solutions instead of designing smarter from the start? Worth saving if you’re involved in asset strategy, retrofit or defining what “good” looks like for future homes. ♻️ Repost to your network 👉 Follow Jenny Danson for the Healthy Homes Aico

DaVinci Resolve 21 just dropped and almost nobody is covering the biggest update for immersive filmmakers. Everyone's talking about the new Photo page and AI tools. But if you work in VR180, 360, or Apple Immersive Video, this update is a must for our entire production pipeline. Here's what changed for immersive creators: → Native editing for VR180, 3D 360, monoscopic 180, and Apple Immersive Video — all on one timeline → Mix footage from any immersive camera: Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive, Canon R5C Dual Fisheye, Canon C50 Fisheye, Insta360 X5, GoPro Max 2, DJI OSMO 360 → New Immersive Viewport with adjustable headset FOV simulation for Meta Quest, Galaxy XR, AVP and Pico → MainConcept HEVC and MV-HEVC encoder (previously a paid plugin) now free for Resolve Studio owners — significantly better quality than the native H.265 → Foveated rendering support for Apple Immersive Video shot on the URSA Cine Immersive → AI Ultra Sharpen and AI Speed Warp Metal for higher image quality and 30-to-90fps conversion The bigger picture: for the first time, you can edit and deliver professional immersive content to every XR platform — Vision Pro, Meta Quest, Galaxy XR, Pico, YouTube VR — from a single timeline, using any VR180 camera. That's not a minor workflow improvement. That's a complete democratization of immersive production. The barrier to entry for professional immersive filmmaking just collapsed. If you're working in immersive or thinking about starting, this tutorial is worth your time. Full in-depth tutorial: https://lnkd.in/g7JBhnn3 #DaVinciResolve21 #AppleImmersiveVideo