MIKA CHRISTIANSEN

The Virtubuddy- literally "virtual buddy"- is designed to act as a steadfast companion to its user, accompanying them as they travel through a virtual space that would be difficult to traverse on their own. This robotic buddy serves as an avatar of sorts for the user, able to physically interact with the virtual world around them and follow simple commands issued by their user. This can be quite useful- after all, the user is just stuck in a headset! They can visit the world Virtubuddy inhabits through a device like an Oculus, but their own actions are limited. This means that, rather than becoming a character themselves in this virtual world, the user is given one "from" that world to accompany them instead and act in their stead. Virtual reality is usually all about becoming someone else and living out a situation you normally couldn't- here, with the Virtubuddy, it's obvious from the start the user is looking in from the outside. 

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The end goal of the Virtubuddy is to be able to visually mimic the appearance of its user, perhaps by reading in other virtual avatars the user has made in the past; however, for the sake of this particular project, this one is made only to somewhat resemble myself, or at least look like an outfit that I own. The eyes and other such energy-based parts are my favorite color (and, at a wider scope, would be the user's favorite color as well). While not a perfect mirror by a long shot, I think this little buddy reflects my playful and creative side- a part of myself I sometimes forget is there when I'm stressed or take things too seriously. She just wants to have fun and explore alongside her new user friend, and sometimes, that's all you really need.