This university project set out to design a lightweight and intuitive way for users to form and navigate groups in VR. Drawing from group development theory, the process was structured into four stages: Forming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. Each stage was translated into clear, interaction-driven mechanics that make collaboration feel natural while minimizing unnecessary complexity.
Group formation was implemented through a request–response interaction. One user could send an invitation to another, who then received a prompt to either accept or decline. This lightweight mechanic kept the process simple while still requiring mutual consent.
Leadership within a group was represented by a “Crown” mechanic. The leader had full movement freedom, while the partner’s movement was limited to a set radius around the leader. This preserved group cohesion while still allowing individual exploration.
Once a group was formed, members could move together naturally. The leader’s movements guided the partner, ensuring coordinated navigation. In addition to walking, the system also supported vehicle-based travel, where the leader drove and the partner automatically occupied the passenger seat.
Group disbanding was designed to be quick and user-controlled. Either the leader or the partner could end the session at any time with a button click, immediately dissolving the group and restoring full individual freedom.
This project was submitted as part of the VR course at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, for which I received the final grade of 1.0.