
VR grocery store
Software used: Unity, Adobe Illustrator
Client: Western Carolina University Health and human sciences, physical therapy department.
My responsibilities: modeling, texturing, camera setup, lighting, sound, and a small amount of scripting.
This project centered around designing an accessible virtual reality (VR) experience that would allow a disabled user to navigate a grocery store independently. The goal was to create a simulation that could replicate the real-world shopping experience while accommodating the user’s mobility limitations. Our team approached this project with empathy and a focus on usability, aiming to strike a balance between realism and accessibility within the VR space.
To bring this concept to life, we modeled an interactive grocery store environment, complete with aisles, shelves, and a variety of products. The user navigates the space using a virtual wheelchair, with movement mapped to the VR controller for smooth and responsive control. A grabber tool, linked to the right-hand controller, allows the user to pick up items from shelves and place them into a virtual shopping bag. The experience begins with a shopping list, and the user must locate and collect each item before proceeding to checkout. Once all items are gathered and bagged, the simulation concludes—reinforcing the idea that everyday tasks can be made more accessible through thoughtful design. This project not only highlighted the potential of VR in assistive technology but also deepened our understanding of inclusive design principles.