Immersive VR Experience with Metro Vancouver

Urban planning information is often complex, technical, and difficult for the general public to interpret. For Metro Vancouver, a key challenge lies in communicating large-scale planning proposals in an accessible, engaging, and easy-to-understand way for non-expert audiences. Traditional tools like static maps, reports, and public documents can create barriers to meaningful public engagement. 

Currently, members of the public are expected to understand planning impacts through 2D visualizations and written materials, which often lack spatial clarity and experiential context. This can lead to confusion, disengagement, and limited participation in public consultation processes. There is a clear need for more intuitive ways for people to explore planning information and understand how proposed changes relate to real places. In response, our team is developing an immersive VR-based experience focused on public-facing exploration and map navigation. 

The prototype allows users to begin with an overview map and navigate to specific locations of interest, transitioning into a first-person spatial perspective. By prioritizing clear navigation, spatial orientation, and visual cues, the experience translates abstract planning concepts into a more tangible and intuitive format. Our approach emphasizes user-centered design, rapid prototyping, and iterative testing with a focus on usability and clarity. The anticipated outcome is a playable VR prototype that demonstrates a clear navigation framework and spatial exploration flow, serving as a proof of concept for more accessible and engaging public-facing planning communication.