Virtual Measurement Tool
Utility Feature for VR Sketching Tool
This project led to the first production version of the spatial measurement feature for the Gravity Sketch VR toolset. It focused on improving usability by allowing precise creation, manipulation, and sharing of work within the application. This feature lead to more users finding deeper ways to incorporate Gravity Sketch into their 3D workflows.
My Role
Sole Product Designer
Output
Concept Ideation
Wireframes & Storyboards
High Fidelity Immersive Design
Interactive Prototypes
Micro Interactions
Team Members
VR Software Engineers
Timeframe
Q3 2021
Before this project, a beta measurement tool, part of a feature called the toolbelt, was already released to the public. While the feature was in use, we received feedback from our customers that the tool had potential but was too difficult to use in its current state.
I started by asking these questions…
I first wanted to know how and why people were using the current tool and what stopped them from using it more. I also explored how similar software implemented measurements to further understand the expectations and mental models of our users.
How were users using the beta measurement tool in there workflow?
What were their pain points while using the tool and why?
How did other 3D modeling software handle measurements?
Validating Imported Geometry
Users checked their imported geometry to ensure it was dimensionally accurate so that their sketches were drawn to scale.
Communicating to Stakeholders
They also used them to mark dimensions on their finished sketch, helping designers hand off work smoothly without leaving Gravity Sketch.
Correcting Dimensional Accuracy
Measurements also helped correct earlier scaling mistakes in the sketches. Users would place a measurement, then adjust and resize the sketch to match it.
Impermanent Measurements
Measurements would go away permanently when the tool was closed. This led to tedious workarounds and hacks in order to keep the measurements visible in the sketch.
Inaccurate Placement
Users found it difficult to place a measurement at a specific point in 3D space due to the inaccuracy of their hand movements and the shape of the measurement cursor.
Rigid Aesthetic
Users had to use workarounds in order to give a measurement a specific aesthetic and match the visual theme of their sketch.
Difficult to organize
Users had to use labor intensive workarounds to organize and structure their DIY measurements to declutter their sketch.
Difficult to find
Many users who need this feature might not find it because it's hidden behind a gesture-based menu.
Hard to Read
The visual appearance of the measurements made it difficult to determine where the endpoints were placed.
Arkio: Architecture VR App
Arkio used a laser pointer approach for placing and snapping measurements. They were a temporary way to verify preexisting geometry. They did not persist when the tool was not in use.
Maquette: Microsoft Immersive Design App
Maquette’s measurements were contextual. They didn't have a dedicated tool; instead, they showed the dimensions of objects when creating new geometry.
Blender: 3D Modeling App
Blender had a similar technique to Arkio but differed in how they utilized their own unique preexisting interaction patterns while placing and manipulating dimensions.
To ensure the new measurement tool would be familiar and easy to use for our current user base, I thoroughly analyzed the interaction patterns and UI already present in the app.
Here's how we defined the problem space…
How
How can we enhance users' confidence, accuracy, and flexibility in placing and managing measurements within their sketches?
What
Make measurements persistent for easy organization and editing. Make them snap into place easily by balancing control and simplicity.
Why
To increase feature adoption and legitimize the precision capabilities of Gravity Sketch
To better design for VR,
I designed in VR
To better understand the end user, I created collaborative 3D ideation rooms. These rooms allowed me to spatially mock up concepts and review them to scale in context with others.
Defining Measurement Visual
I started by mocking up a playable prototype of the visuals and placement interaction.
Experimenting with Cursor
Then, experimented with how to make the cursor appear more precise.
Mocking Up High Fidelity Prototype
Finally, I created a high fidelity prototype of the full feature to better demonstrate the design to the developers.
_outcome
4
Introducing the Measurement Tool
The new feature lets users create and manage measurements like strokes in GS. It makes it easy to snap to axes or other pieces of geometry. Users can change how measurements look and where they are placed, cutting down on mistakes and giving more control. The updated measurement lines help users place the cursor accurately.
Teaching users how to use the new tool
I created a 3D interactive guide to show users the new feature. This guide helped users understand how to use the feature and its possible uses. It was our first time using this type of guide, and it influenced our future user onboarding and tutorials.