Daydream Labs: positive social experiences in VR

Daydream Labs has been exploring social interactions in virtual reality (VR), emphasizing the importance of creating fun, safe, and comfortable experiences for users. The team discovered that without clear social norms, users might inadvertently make others feel uncomfortable by, for instance, placing virtual accessories in ways that impair vision or invading personal space. To combat such issues, they experimented with mechanisms like personal space bubbles and desaturation effects to discourage negative behaviors. Additionally, they found that incentivizing positive interactions, such as a high-five between avatars triggering a fireworks animation, can naturally guide users towards more enjoyable and respectful social experiences.