EcoGarden — VR Gardening Simulation
Overview
EcoGarden is an immersive VR simulation that teaches users how to design and maintain sustainable rain gardens through interactive, hands-on learning. The experience allows users to explore a virtual garden, select native plants, and practice environmentally beneficial gardening techniques in a risk-free environment.
The goal was to make rain-garden education more engaging and accessible by translating real-world ecological practices into intuitive spatial interactions.
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TIME SPAN
Novemeber 2025 -
Decemeber 2025
TOOLS
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
UX Researcher
Figma
Unity
Key Design Features
Natural Tool & Object Interaction
Users can grab and manipulate gardening tools and materials such as shovels, seed packets, and compost using intuitive hand motions. These interactions mirror real gardening actions, allowing users to practice planting behaviors in a spatial, embodied way rather than through abstract controls.
This reinforces procedural learning by translating physical gardening tasks into VR interaction.
Embodied Watering Interaction
The watering can uses tilt-based pouring, so water flows only when users angle the tool realistically. This mechanic teaches cause-and-effect relationships between user motion and garden care, helping users understand watering behavior through physical simulation.
The interaction strengthens immersion and supports experiential learning of plant maintenance.
Accessible Environmental Exploration
A magnifying glass allows users to closely inspect plants and pests, supporting both detailed observation and low-vision accessibility. Audio feedback further alerts users to issues like pests, enabling non-visual awareness of garden conditions.
This feature ensures the learning experience remains inclusive while encouraging careful ecological observation.
Process Overview
1. Research
GAME RESEARCH
I analyzed existing gardening simulators to understand interaction realism and learning effectiveness.
Observed gaps
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Planting often uses simple click placement
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Limited physical effort or tool use
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Minimal environmental challenges
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Weak ecological feedback
Design direction
EcoGarden emphasizes embodied tool interaction, environmental inspection, and realistic care mechanics to create deeper learning.
2. Design Process
WHY VR
VR enables hands-on gardening practice without real space, tools, or experience. Users can experiment safely, see ecological outcomes instantly, and stay engaged through immersive interaction.
STORYBOARDS
Storyboards mapped the user journey from exploring the garden to planting, watering, and inspecting plants. They helped define core interactions and feedback before development.
3. Prototype
EcoGarden was built in Unity using XR interaction mechanics.
Implemented Interactions
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Tool grabbing and manipulation
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Tilt-based water pouring
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Environmental inspection tools
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Audio pest feedback
Users perform real gardening actions directly in VR.