Zilin Zhang
My name is Zilin Zhang, and I am a designer specialising in serious games and VR. I am interested in immersive experiences, environmental storytelling and the design of emotional experiences. My work explores how virtual environments and simple interactions can create meaningful experiences that go beyond mere entertainment.
My current project focuses on VR meditation and the everyday anxieties of young adults, exploring how immersive environments can provide users with a space to observe, reflect and relax.
The Lunar Observer: A Study on VR-Based Meditation
The Lunar Observer is a VR meditation experience designed to address the everyday anxieties of young adults. Through a science-fiction narrative, an immersive environment and simple interactions, the project explores how VR can create a space where users can temporarily disconnect from the pressures of reality and find peace and relaxation.
In the experience, players assume the role of an external observer, entering a fictional sci-fi world to observe everyday anxieties presented through metaphor and exaggeration, whilst collecting relevant data through simple interactions. Upon completing their observations, players enter a meditation space generated based on this data, where they can meditate and relax amidst low-stimulus surroundings, sounds and spatial ambience.
The project not only focuses on the environmental design of the meditation space itself, but also seeks to incorporate a phase of anxiety observation into the complete VR meditation experience, exploring how narrative, interaction and environmental design can collectively support the user’s temporary escape and relaxation.
The first scene of the Work Anxiety Planet, representing the past and introducing a world shaped by anxiety about work and mistakes.
The present of the Work Anxiety Planet, where residents rehearse their work in advance to avoid mistakes.
The future of the Work Anxiety Planet, where work continues even after death.
The past of the Sacred Tree Planet, where residents rely on the Sacred Tree for guidance in their daily lives.
The present of the Sacred Tree Planet, where fallen branches from the Sacred Tree are kept as lucky charms.
The future of the Sacred Tree Planet, where the Sacred Tree has grown old.
The meditation space created after completing the observation of the Work Anxiety Planet.
The meditation space created after completing the observation of the Sacred Tree Planet.
The meditation space created after completing the observation of the Sacred Tree Planet.
The player’s space station, serving as the central point of the observation journey.
The player interacts with a highlighted object to monitor and collect anxiety data.
The Lunar Observer is a VR meditation experience designed to address the everyday anxieties of young adults. Through a science-fiction narrative, an immersive environment and simple interactions, the project explores how VR can create a space where users can temporarily disconnect from the pressures of reality and find peace and relaxation. In the experience, players assume the role of an external observer, entering a fictional sci-fi world to observe everyday anxieties presented through metaphor and exaggeration, whilst collecting relevant data through simple interactions. Upon completing their observations, players enter a meditation space generated based on this data, where they can meditate and relax amidst low-stimulus surroundings, sounds and spatial ambience. The project not only focuses on the environmental design of the meditation space itself, but also seeks to incorporate a phase of anxiety observation into the complete VR meditation experience, exploring how narrative, interaction and environmental design can collectively support the user’s temporary escape and relaxation.