Younique XR -- Discover Your Alternative Lives

#Virtual Reality #Gaussian Splat #Experience Design

Project Overview

Younique is an innovative narrative-focused 3D platform developed at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences as part of the Harvard University MDE Fashion Parade. Unlike traditional social platforms, Younique offers a transformative space where users can share their life experiences through interactive, narrative-driven formats. More than a visual storytelling tool, it acts as a "GitHub for life experiences," allowing users to navigate and share what’s meaningful to them. The platform aims to help users discover their true selves and make informed, inspired life choices by viewing the world through the perspectives of others.

Contributions

This project integrated Gaussian Splatting technology to create hyper-realistic floral arrangements, allowing users of all expertise levels to interact with elements such as plates, knives, flowers, and leaves, appreciating the beauty of Ikebana in an immersive virtual space. We extended the experience beyond the virtual world by enabling participants to save their Ikebana creations as AR assets, which could be viewed and shared on smartphones. The project has since been open-sourced to encourage ongoing collaboration and development, further expanding its reach and potential.

Contributors

Mackenzie Li, Grace Mai, Vera Wu

Our GitHub Page

360° video captured directly from the headset – Scroll to explore

Backgound

Have you ever dreamed of owning a life simulator?
What about having a Dokodemo Door?
How might it transform your decision-making about your future?

In today’s world, where you can chat with friends, find solutions, and even watch concerts without leaving your couch, much of life happens on a screen. We are constantly consumed by carefully curated, heavily edited spectacles—often at the cost of meaningful interactions and real-world experiences. As our lives shift increasingly online, authentic conversations and physical experiences tend to fade into the background, replaced by eye-catching content on tiny screens. This raises the question: how can we navigate the diluted digital age without sacrificing genuine connections and avoiding the isolation that screen-based living can create?

Potential Solution

Our answer to the overwhelming digital spectacle is a "GitHub for life experiences"—an online platform where users can share and explore personal journeys in a hyper-realistic and interactive way. Through this immersive environment, people can integrate daily experiences and life paths, creating authentic exchanges and opportunities for learning. The platform provides a rich, dynamic space for users to experiment with potential life choices, gain insights from others' stories, and make informed decisions about their own futures. By fostering a community of exploration, learning, and growth, we aim to give users the courage to act on their real lives and create more meaningful interactions in a digital age.