vSide
Story telling UX/UI Content
Music and style focused virtual social world for tweens and teens. Pioneering PC-based world backed by leading VCs (DFJ, Greycroft, VSP partners, etc.) at a time when the concept of internet-based social networks were just getting started (2005-2010). Strategic Product and Marketing Partnerships (Viacom, Interscope Records, Rocawear, Kitson, Tyra Banks, and DJ AM to name a few) drove user adoption, and at its peak, realized massive reach within a demographic that is known to be near-impossible to crack.
Project requirements:
Story Telling: Ultimate challenge of creating a world that’s unique but executable for the finicky young audience, while polished enough for leading mass media companies, big brands, as well as independent celebrities and acts.
UX/UI: PC-based, chat driven interaction model that can still fully feature the rich real-time-rendered backdrop.
Content: Unique look and feel that melds modern architecture, grit, and cool of alternative music and style scenes, packaged up as a 3D interactive world that is actually renderable using limited technology available at the time.
Execution:
Story Telling: What happens when you imagine seminal Anime’ (like Akira), museum-quality vinyl toys (like Frank Kozik, KAWS), modern architecture (Neutra, Ando, Herzog & De Meuron), and Southern California skater culture mashed up?
UX/UI: Light-weight 2D interface that lean on greyscale palettes, layered onto a vibrant 3D world.
Content: What happens when a mix of Indie and mass market acts and brands (Pussy Cat Dolls, MIA, Maroon 5, Vice Media, MTV, etc.) are placed in this world with a cartoon overlay?
