Bounteous VR Collaboration Lab
⟡ Highlight skillsets
THE OPPOTURNITY
True corporate reality: people aren’t excited about just “getting through” meetings 😩.
They want to feel engaged, valued, and connected. The challenge wasn’t just technical; it was emotional.
We wanted to create an experience where teams felt like they were in the same room, even when they were continents apart (Bounteous had over 10 locations across the US, Canada, and Europe in 2022). The idea wasn’t just to add technology for the sake of it—it was about bringing back the magic of collaboration, but with the future in mind.
Our team set out to explore the possibilities of XR (Extended Reality) technology, knowing this could unlock something special not only for Bounteous, but for any organization looking to future-proof the way they work.
MY ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
As a lead designer, I was responsible for architecting the VR space's structure.
I focused on designing how users navigate, enter rooms, and experience real-world interactions in Oculus. I worked closely with the team to ensure the experience felt seamless and intuitive, blending real-life dynamics with virtual environments.
I researched & studied some amazing spaces that were built with real user exploration and experience.
01 - Getting to the Heart of the Problem
Before outlining the VR environment, I need to understand the challenges of remote collaboration, a new experience for most team members accustomed to on-site work during the pandemic, and explore how XR technologies can enhance this experience.
Some key findings:
02 - Sketching a Vision
Armed with insights, we moved into ideation.
In collaboration with our team, we imagined what a virtual lab could be:
A place where ideas flow freely, where people feel engaged, and where the barriers between technology and connection disappear.
I want the lab space to grow as it expands in functionality, providing different rooms for collaboration and service.
After exploring various architectural methods (Grid-based Layout, Organic/Freeform Architecture, Zoning Method), I chose the Molecular system for Bounteous VR Lab because of its flexibility and scalability.
We want to create an intuitive flows where users could easily:
Enter a welcoming virtual space, such as a "lobby" for selecting meeting rooms or a dedicated area for usability testing projects like the Bounteous e-commerce site.
Collaborate in virtual meeting rooms with tools like whiteboards and 3D objects.
Move seamlessly between formal and informal zones, because let’s be honest, not every great idea comes from a structured meeting.
✏️ Some conceptual sketches and testing different materials.
03 - Designing for Humans
We took those wireframes and transformed them into an experience. My approach was straightforward: keep it familiar but magical. The design needed to feel like an extension of the user’s real-world experience, not a video game.
My challenge in this phase:
Making sure it worked everywhere—from Web VR on desktops to full immersion in Oculus headsets
How did I overcome it?
Well, thank goodness for my fantastic teammates: Skyler Lauren (Product Owner), Sandy Jakkavanrangski (Design Manager) and Miguel Caballero (Lead Engineer)!
Together, we tackled the chaos like pros, cutting the clutter and honing in on the experience. We made it so seamless across every platform, even Josh-my cat could use it 🐾
✏️ A few more sketches and tests before we land on our final product!
THE IMPACT: BEYOND MEETINGS
Collaboration became easier. People were using the virtual whiteboards, sticky notes, and 3D models not just as tools, but as creative playgrounds. The ideas flowed again.
The future opened up. We proved that XR wasn’t just hype—it was a practical, valuable tool for the business. We began exploring how this tech could benefit clients and unlock new business opportunities.
FINAL THOUGHTS
was more than a project; it was a journey into the future of collaboration, and I had a blast working on it!
As the lead designer, I had the privilege of guiding this exploration, proving that virtual collaboration can be profoundly human. Integrating our AR e-commerce efforts not only redefined internal collaboration but also opened exciting avenues for client engagement.
This isn’t just about creating a virtual space; it’s about building a community where ideas come to life and the future of work is actively experienced.
We also incorporated other proof-of-concept (PoC) projects, like Bounteous AR e-commerce, into our VR space.
While not all project specifics can be shared openly, I'm open to discussing further in private for any potential hiring or partnering opportunities.
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