New release date.
Originally, the release date for the Wardsend Cemetery VR experience was set to 7.6.2022. Unfortunately, due to major issues with the terrain build and texture projection on that terrain, the whole project, despite having most of the 3D elements ready, was not moving forward. We were facing some unforeseen obstacles; we did not include in our planning of the project delivery. Our course leader, Annie, during one of the weekly update meetings noticed that the project was not making the expected progress and realised that we might not be able to finish on time. Luckily, Annie found a solution to that. She was going to talk to our clients, explain the situation and propose that on the 7th of June we should be presenting the prototype of the application (instead of a ready app). The clients will have a chance to see the draft and feel the style of the product then. The actual product would be released with a 10-day delay, on 17.6.2022.
Meanwhile, we were advised to reach out to the technician at LCC and get some directions for building the terrain using the method we wanted.
It was also decided that we needed a short video promoting the project, a little teaser showing that there is a product coming soon. Will was delegated by Annie to do research on promotional reels and prepare a storyboard for the video. Next, Jamie, who previously built a digital museum room where our experience starts, worked on producing the video, using the same environment and following Will’s guidance. As a result, we had a short recording advertising our project but with only a little detail; a video that should make people interested in seeing the finished product later.
Working on this type of a group project, without big prior experience was challenging at times, especially during moments without strong leadership, when planning, as well as executing progress and checking status of all tasks were needed. I think that we felt too relaxed about what everyone was working on and overestimated the amount of time we had for completing the whole VR experience. Even though we had specified our roles at the beginning of the project, it was necessary for each of us to jump on extra tasks, which, again, were not included in the plan we originally had created. We also only had one plan, without any backup solution in terms of troubles, delays, someone’s absence etc. It is something worth noting for future collaborations.
Assigning roles in a real-life work environment is based on people’s skills, and one’s personal qualities can only add to those roles, whereas here, everyone decided on the role they wanted to fulfil based on their preferences. It was fine if the preferences reflected the expertise of the person choosing a particular role. During this collaboration, I noticed that I am the type of person that, after having a plan of action, likes to lead the group and control/verify if the plan is being implemented accordingly, what is the progress, what went well but also what is not working and needs correction etc. I try to be proactive and am comfortable leading meetings and/or speaking about the project with confidence, despite the obstacles. I think that in future collaborations, next to the technical role, I would see myself having a leadership one, too.
Our work on this project has not finished yet. We are very close to completing the Mapping Virtual Practice unit though. On Tuesday, 7.06.2022 we are not only presenting the video and draft to our clients, but also submitting documentation for this subject, our blogs and job searching related documents. After that date we will be working hard on the second assignment due 10.6.2022 and VR experience we are to deliver on a new date, the 17.6.2022.