Main Mechanic:
Phantom Touch explores the sensation of perceiving what isn't physically real. I ideated different outcomes of touch interactions, we use simple mechanics, such as touch, to tell a powerful story.
Initially, we wanted users to play without controllers and touch things with their own hands. However, given that the sensation of phantom touch is not guaranteed for all users, and considering the simplicity and reliability of controller vibrations for simulating touch, we decided to take a more controlled approach.
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Phantom Touch
Eventually, due to the complexity of the story itself and the intriguing concept of phantom touch, we decided to dive deep into the different scenarios of TOUCH in virtual spaces, making it a distinct mini scene. We managed the sense of touch by adjusting the timing, vibration duration, and intensity, while also incorporating visual and auditory feedback to enhance the experience.
Touch. Level 1: Emotional Connection
Interaction: Users see and feel jellyfish, representing the sensation of being touched. The jellyfish disappear after contact.
Focus: The warmth and comfort of virtual hugs and connections with friends.
Level 2: Long-Distance Relationships
Interaction: A former partner's virtual presence triggers emotions and memories, symbolized by particles of love and happiness.
Focus: The challenges and emotional depth of maintaining intimacy in virtual and long-distance relationships.
Level 3: Consent and Discomfort
Interaction: Users are attacked by fish, but can use a shield to block them. The shield represents the need for consent, even in virtual spaces.
Focus: The importance of consent and the ability to control interactions, reflecting on real-world experiences of discomfort.
Level 4: Overcoming Vulnerabilities
Interaction: Users connect with someone who shares stories of vulnerability, symbolized by scars. The environment reflects a shared understanding and mutual protection.
Focus: The power of sharing personal stories and scars, and how virtual connections can facilitate deep, meaningful interactions.
Audio Design:
I use Adobe Audition to edit interview material, focusing on tasks such as noise cancellation, removing glitches, eliminating breathing and mouth noises, and enhancing overall sound quality.
For creating immersive ambient sounds and background music, I created the sense of distance, spatial sound effect with Reaper
Video Editing:
I use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit all video materials needed in the unity project and the trailer.
User Testing:
8.12
Great Story, however gap between two stories hard to follow
Result: Focus on one strong story after group discussion
8.18
Great Story and narration, However some visual mismatch with Audio
8.25-8.28
Result: Improving visual, work together with visual and interaction
Overall, the feedback on the choice of interviewee and narrative structure has always been positive. However, the user suggests taking a bolder approach to enrich the scenes discussing hypersexuality and intimate experiences in the virtual world.
Result: On the basis of the pre-existing touching mechanic, we added a jellyfish following the user's hand, triggering vibrations while the user players around. This tactile feedback enhances the immersive experience, allowing users to feel a more tangible connection to the virtual environment