VRMRAR

Inspiration

Data, without proper analysis, has no meaning. We want to use virtual reality to augment data analysis process and decipher more information from the same dataset.

What it does

Data is visualized in 3D environment, and with VR gear users can walk around the dataset and be immersed within the dataset.

How we built it

We analyzed about 1 million data points using Tableau and python (pandas) to detect patterns and anomalies. We also tried with different sampling of the data (by hour, day and week) for meaningful analysis of data. Data points without proper grouping is easy to be overlooked as having no pattern, but when proper filters are applied, patterns can be detected. Then, with different groupings of the data points, we visualized the data points in virtual reality setting, in a 3D environment. A-frame was used to render data points in VR environment.

Challenges we ran into

Parsing through the data to find meaningful information was a challenging task, because we do not know in advance the information that data holds. Moreover, displaying the data in 3D environment and incorporating 3D experience were quite challenging, as we are so used to seeing data in a two-dimensional plane.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Although we have never used A-frame and VR implementation, but we learned from scratch how to display data in 3D environment. Users can walk around in the data points.

What we learned

We learned to use the framework called A-frame, and incorporate it with Samsung VR gear.

What's next for VRMRAR

Possibly implement rollercoaster ride along the data points to provide a fun experience with the dataset. Sharp changes in data can be felt by the abrupt spike or drop within the ride - this will allow users to "feel" the data, rather than just seeing the data.