UNIfy - Immersive XR

Music, Mindfulness & Meaningful Connection

UNIfy is a VR-based music app designed to help students, especially international ones, feel more connected and supported. It uses shared playlists, social lounges, and virtual concerts to turn music into a tool for reducing loneliness and building community in a safe, immersive space.

Client

Academic Group Project

Services

Speculative Design

XR Prototyping

Product design
Interaction Design
User Research

My Role

Product Designer

Date

Summer 2024

My Role

Product Designer

Date

Summer 2024

University can be an isolating experience, especially for international students navigating a new culture, campus, and social system.

UNIfy is a speculative VR music platform created to reduce loneliness and support student mental well-being. By connecting students through shared music experiences, personalized playlists, and virtual concert lounges, the app builds a sense of community and emotional support in immersive digital spaces.

PROBLEM

New Country,
New Isolation

International students face cultural and social isolation that often goes unnoticed.

Mental Health Needs More than Advice

Students want active emotional support — not just static mental health resources.

New Country,
New Isolation

International students face cultural and social isolation that often goes unnoticed.

Mental Health Needs More than Advice

Students want active emotional support — not just static mental health resources.

Music Connects, But Tools Don’t

There’s no platform that uses music socially to ease anxiety and build real relationships.

Music Connects, But Tools Don’t

There’s no platform that uses music socially to ease anxiety and build real relationships.

SOLUTION

A VR Campus for the Soul

Brings students together through shared music experiences in virtual lounges, personalized playlists, and immersive social concerts. Users can connect based on music preferences, explore calming solo spaces, or join group events depending on their comfort level.

SOLUTION

A VR Campus for the Soul

DESIGN PROCESS

RESEARCH

How Are Students Really Feeling?

We interviewed 4 university students aged 20–27 from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. Their shared struggles — anxiety, isolation, and social disconnect — shaped every design decision.

We created two distinct personas to represent our primary users: a domestic student seeking social connection and balance, and an international student navigating cultural adjustment and loneliness. These helped guide empathy-driven design decisions throughout the project.

FINDINGS

Tools Must Flex With Mood and Mental State

Users expressed the need for platforms that adapt to their energy or emotional level, some days they want to connect deeply, other days they just need quiet support.

Cultural Comfort Zones Shape Social Behavior

International students were more likely to withdraw from campus events where language or unfamiliar social norms made them feel “othered” . They needed inclusive, familiar-feeling digital spaces.

Tools Must Flex With Mood and Mental State

Users expressed the need for platforms that adapt to their energy or emotional level, some days they want to connect deeply, other days they just need quiet support.

Cultural Comfort Zones Shape Social Behavior

International students were more likely to withdraw from campus events where language or unfamiliar social norms made them feel “othered” . They needed inclusive, familiar-feeling digital spaces.

Presence Without Pressure Reduces Anxiety

Many students wanted to feel part of a group without the pressure to interact. Being present in a space (even silently) helps ease loneliness.

Shared Interests Create Trust Faster Than Small Talk

Students, felt more comfortable forming connections when interactions centered around a shared passion like music, not forced conversations.

LOW FIDELITY

USABILITY TESTING – Does It Actually Help?

Methods + Findings

Methods Findings

System Usability Scale (SUS)

Task-based testing with think-aloud protocol
Custom survey on engagement, clarity, and emotional impact

SUS score averaged 90 – well above the industry benchmark of 68
Users praised the app’s layout, clarity, and emotional value
Some requested deeper friend interaction tools and expanded onboarding features

FINAL INTERATIONS

These design updates were implemented based on user testing and usability feedback to improve connection, comfort, and accessibility.

FINAL ITERACTIVE PROTOTYPE

OUTCOMES & LEARNINGS

Designed for Connection &
Well-Being

Created an interactive XR experience that helped students feel less isolated through shared music, social lounges, and personalized features.

Designed for Connection & Well-Being

Created an interactive XR experience that helped students feel less isolated through shared music, social lounges, and personalized features.

Built on Empathy & Iteration

User interviews and ongoing feedback shaped every phase of the design, reinforcing the value of iterative testing, accessibility improvements, and real user insights.

Collaboration Fueled Innovation

Working in a multidisciplinary team led to a more thoughtful and well-rounded product. Our diverse perspectives strengthened both the concept and execution.

Validated Through Real Feedback

Achieved an average SUS score of 90, showing strong usability and overall satisfaction. Participants found the app engaging, easy to navigate, and emotionally supportive.

FineEase

Budgeting Without Burnout

FineEase

Budgeting Without Burnout

FineEase

Budgeting Without Burnout

Designed for Connection & Well-Being

Created an interactive XR experience that helped students feel less isolated through shared music, social lounges, and personalized features.

Built on Empathy & Iteration

User interviews and ongoing feedback shaped every phase of the design, reinforcing the value of iterative testing, accessibility improvements, and real user insights.

Collaboration Fueled Innovation

Working in a multidisciplinary team led to a more thoughtful and well-rounded product. Our diverse perspectives strengthened both the concept and execution.

Validated Through Real Feedback

Achieved an average SUS score of 90, showing strong usability and overall satisfaction. Participants found the app engaging, easy to navigate, and emotionally supportive.