Ascend VR (2021)
Made by Sasha Jiang, Kevin Kuhn Agnes, Yiru Yu, Ye Fu & Sachin Kodati
For a longer demo and fuller experience, see https://youtu.be/GtxNNljAzvA

Ascend VR is a virtual reality application that provides a guided meditation experience. Embodied as a fish in the depth of the ocean, the user transforms into a soaring seabird then to a celestial presence, making the journey of ascension is both physical and spiritual.
As a team we wanted to create a calming, uplifting experience. Exploring and utilising the concept of VR embodiment, the experience is designed with people who have trouble with traditional meditation methods in mind. Unique to Ascend VR is its fine balance between narrative and the environment, which helps the user more likely to achieve mindfulness.
I was responsible for the design of the experience, from developing the narrative to creating the visual concepts for the scenes. I also drew the animations that guide the user throughout the journey (left). In addition, I wrote the the script for the narration and voiced it.
Developed over the course of 10 weeks using Unity.

visual concept for user controller instructions
Ascend VR won the Best Group Work Award in the Goldsmiths V/AR Digital Grid Event that took place on 24 May 2021. The judging panel consisted of leading industry experts Dr. Dave Ranyard (Dream Reality Interactive), Russ Harding (Maze Theory) and Jessica Driscoll (Digital Catapult). The experts agreed that the experience was well designed and highly polished, with immediate production and commercial value. We are currently considering making the app available on stores.
