Project overview
While serving as Lead Programmer at InnoVR, I developed a cutting-edge interactive demonstration application for Mazda, featuring their iconic MX-5 model. Built entirely in Unreal Engine, this application allowed users to explore and customize the MX-5 in high-fidelity 3D, changing exterior and interior colors and toggling the lights in real-time. A key aspect of the project was its dual-platform capability, offering both an intuitive Tablet interface and a fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience.
The Challenge
Mazda sought an innovative and engaging method for customers to experience the MX-5’s customization potential, moving beyond traditional brochures or web configurators. The primary challenge was to create a single, high-quality application core that could deliver a seamless and performant user experience on two vastly different platforms:
- Tablets: Requiring intuitive touch controls and optimization for mobile hardware.
- VR Headsets: Demanding high frame rates for comfort, immersive interaction design (using VR controllers), and a strong sense of presence. This involved optimizing a detailed automotive model for real-time rendering, implementing dynamic material and lighting changes efficiently, and designing distinct UI/UX paradigms for touch versus VR interaction.
My Role
As Lead Programmer at InnoVR on this project, I spearheaded the technical development and implementation of the Mazda MX-5 interactive customizer across both target platforms. My responsibilities included:
- Importing, setting up, and optimizing the Mazda MX-5 3D model and materials within Unreal Engine for real-time performance.
- Programming the core logic for dynamically changing exterior paints and interior material colors based on user selection.
- Implementing the interactive functionality to toggle the vehicle’s headlights and taillights.
- Designing and developing the separate user interfaces and interaction schemes for Tablet (touch input) and VR (using, HTC Vive controllers).
- Configuring the VR camera setup, locomotion, and interaction to ensure a comfortable and immersive experience.
- Utilizing Unreal Engine Blueprints and C++ to build all application logic and interactivity.
- Managing the build and deployment process for the target Tablet iOS and VR platforms.
The Solution
I delivered a versatile and high-fidelity interactive application showcasing the Mazda MX-5:
- Photorealistic Automotive Visualization (Unreal Engine): Utilized Unreal Engine’s rendering capabilities to display a detailed and visually accurate representation of the MX-5, complete with realistic car paint, interior materials, and lighting.
- Real-Time Customization Options: Implemented easy-to-use controls enabling users to instantly cycle through available exterior paint colors and select different interior trim options.
- Interactive Lighting Control: Allowed users to switch the car’s headlights and taillights on or off, observing the impact on the vehicle’s appearance and surrounding virtual environment.
- Seamless Cross-Platform Experience: Created two distinct modes within a single application core:
- Tablet Mode: Featured an intuitive touch-based interface ideal for quick exploration and customization on mobile devices.
- VR Mode: Offered a fully immersive experience using HTC Vive controllers, allowing users to walk around and virtually sit inside the customized car, examining details up close.
- Optimized for Performance: Carefully optimized assets and code to ensure smooth frame rates on both the target tablet hardware and the more demanding VR platform.
Results / Outcome
The project successfully produced an innovative and flexible demonstration tool for Mazda, effectively showcasing the MX-5 on both accessible tablets and immersive VR. Key results:
- Delivered a high-quality, interactive configurator enabling real-time visualization of customization options.
- Proved the viability of a dual-platform (Tablet + VR) approach using Unreal Engine for automotive marketing/sales applications.
- Provided Mazda with a powerful tool for engaging customers at auto shows, dealerships, or special events.
- Demonstrated strong technical proficiency in Unreal Engine development, cross-platform deployment, VR implementation, and real-time automotive visualization.
