Purdue Metaverse Learning Experience

Sponsored by Purdue University × Iconic Engine | Role: UX Engineer (Figma to Unity UI Implementation)

/ Overview

Goal: Design a gamified, puzzle-based mobile app to orient Purdue’s international students through campus traditions and culture.
Team: Cross-functional (Industrial Design, CS, Game Dev) | Tools: Figma, Unity, Vasoo

Watch the demo in action:

Challenge

International students often struggle to connect with campus culture. Purdue sought an immersive solution that balanced education with engagement. Key constraints:

  • Technical: Cross-platform compatibility (Mobile/VR), real-time progress tracking.

  • User: Motivate exploration without overwhelming newcomers.

“How might we transform Purdue’s traditions into a discovery-driven adventure?”

Research-Driven Insights

From surveys (n=35):

  • Platform Preference: 63% favored mobile app (vs. 23% desktop).

  • Top Motivators: Fun/social elements (89%), rewards (60%).

  • Pain Points: Information overload, lack of interactive guidance.

“I’d explore more if it felt like a game, not a textbook.” – Student feedback.

Design Approach

Phased User Journey:

  1. Purdue-Branded Onboarding: Tutorial with Purdue Pete (mascot) introducing quests.

  2. Freely Explore: Open-world Metaverse (Boilermaker Store, Engineering Fountain).

  3. Gamified Learning: Trigger puzzles (e.g., “Find the Big Bass Drum”) tied to traditions.

Key Features:

  • Progress System: Track academic/environmental milestones (80% completion avg).

  • Badges & Rewards: Unlock virtual merch (e.g., Purdue P-Logo jersey).

  • Vasoo Integration: Seamless UI transitions from Figma to Unity.

Impact

  • Engagement: 80% progress rate in academic quests.

  • Feedback: “The badges made me want to explore every corner!” – Beta tester.

  • Scalability: Foundation laid for future VR/PC cross-device expansion.

Future Vision

  1. Social Features: Friend lists, avatar customization.

  2. Haptic Feedback: Enhanced immersion for engineering puzzles.

  3. Academic Integration: Career prep modules in the Metaverse.

/ Reflection:

Balancing Purdue’s heritage with gamification required iterative collaboration. As UX Engineer, translating Figma wireframes into Unity’s UI system (e.g., objectives tracker) was pivotal – proving that even traditions can turn into adventures.

“This isn’t just an app; it’s a bridge to belonging.” – Team Lead.

Previous Project

Purdue Metaverse Learning Experience

Sponsored by Purdue University × Iconic Engine | Role: UX Engineer (Figma to Unity UI Implementation)

/ Overview

Goal: Design a gamified, puzzle-based mobile app to orient Purdue’s international students through campus traditions and culture.
Team: Cross-functional (Industrial Design, CS, Game Dev) | Tools: Figma, Unity, Vasoo

Watch the demo in action:

Challenge

International students often struggle to connect with campus culture. Purdue sought an immersive solution that balanced education with engagement. Key constraints:

  • Technical: Cross-platform compatibility (Mobile/VR), real-time progress tracking.

  • User: Motivate exploration without overwhelming newcomers.

“How might we transform Purdue’s traditions into a discovery-driven adventure?”

Research-Driven Insights

From surveys (n=35):

  • Platform Preference: 63% favored mobile app (vs. 23% desktop).

  • Top Motivators: Fun/social elements (89%), rewards (60%).

  • Pain Points: Information overload, lack of interactive guidance.

“I’d explore more if it felt like a game, not a textbook.” – Student feedback.

Design Approach

Phased User Journey:

  1. Purdue-Branded Onboarding: Tutorial with Purdue Pete (mascot) introducing quests.

  2. Freely Explore: Open-world Metaverse (Boilermaker Store, Engineering Fountain).

  3. Gamified Learning: Trigger puzzles (e.g., “Find the Big Bass Drum”) tied to traditions.

Key Features:

  • Progress System: Track academic/environmental milestones (80% completion avg).

  • Badges & Rewards: Unlock virtual merch (e.g., Purdue P-Logo jersey).

  • Vasoo Integration: Seamless UI transitions from Figma to Unity.

Impact

  • Engagement: 80% progress rate in academic quests.

  • Feedback: “The badges made me want to explore every corner!” – Beta tester.

  • Scalability: Foundation laid for future VR/PC cross-device expansion.

Future Vision

  1. Social Features: Friend lists, avatar customization.

  2. Haptic Feedback: Enhanced immersion for engineering puzzles.

  3. Academic Integration: Career prep modules in the Metaverse.

/ Reflection:

Balancing Purdue’s heritage with gamification required iterative collaboration. As UX Engineer, translating Figma wireframes into Unity’s UI system (e.g., objectives tracker) was pivotal – proving that even traditions can turn into adventures.

“This isn’t just an app; it’s a bridge to belonging.” – Team Lead.

Previous Project

Purdue Metaverse Learning Experience

Sponsored by Purdue University × Iconic Engine | Role: UX Engineer (Figma to Unity UI Implementation)

/ Overview

Goal: Design a gamified, puzzle-based mobile app to orient Purdue’s international students through campus traditions and culture.
Team: Cross-functional (Industrial Design, CS, Game Dev) | Tools: Figma, Unity, Vasoo

Watch the demo in action:

Challenge

International students often struggle to connect with campus culture. Purdue sought an immersive solution that balanced education with engagement. Key constraints:

  • Technical: Cross-platform compatibility (Mobile/VR), real-time progress tracking.

  • User: Motivate exploration without overwhelming newcomers.

“How might we transform Purdue’s traditions into a discovery-driven adventure?”

Research-Driven Insights

From surveys (n=35):

  • Platform Preference: 63% favored mobile app (vs. 23% desktop).

  • Top Motivators: Fun/social elements (89%), rewards (60%).

  • Pain Points: Information overload, lack of interactive guidance.

“I’d explore more if it felt like a game, not a textbook.” – Student feedback.

Design Approach

Phased User Journey:

  1. Purdue-Branded Onboarding: Tutorial with Purdue Pete (mascot) introducing quests.

  2. Freely Explore: Open-world Metaverse (Boilermaker Store, Engineering Fountain).

  3. Gamified Learning: Trigger puzzles (e.g., “Find the Big Bass Drum”) tied to traditions.

Key Features:

  • Progress System: Track academic/environmental milestones (80% completion avg).

  • Badges & Rewards: Unlock virtual merch (e.g., Purdue P-Logo jersey).

  • Vasoo Integration: Seamless UI transitions from Figma to Unity.

Impact

  • Engagement: 80% progress rate in academic quests.

  • Feedback: “The badges made me want to explore every corner!” – Beta tester.

  • Scalability: Foundation laid for future VR/PC cross-device expansion.

Future Vision

  1. Social Features: Friend lists, avatar customization.

  2. Haptic Feedback: Enhanced immersion for engineering puzzles.

  3. Academic Integration: Career prep modules in the Metaverse.

/ Reflection:

Balancing Purdue’s heritage with gamification required iterative collaboration. As UX Engineer, translating Figma wireframes into Unity’s UI system (e.g., objectives tracker) was pivotal – proving that even traditions can turn into adventures.

“This isn’t just an app; it’s a bridge to belonging.” – Team Lead.

Previous Project