Soft Dissolve is a diffused and enveloping virtual reality environment which invites the viewer to experience a sensation of dissociation. It is an environmental uncanny valley; a mixture of the familiar and the eerie confronting the viewer with unconscious, repressed impulses. Both relaxing and alien, Soft Dissolve will envelop you in a slowly spreading uneasiness.
This VR experience is designed to evoke a sensation of therapeutic dissociation. Combining subtle environmental design, soundscapes, and minimal interaction, the project explores how virtual spaces can replicate emotional states—especially the eerie calm of drifting between presence and absence.
The experience simulates a digital form of dissociation: a state between alertness and detachment. Inspired by therapeutic experiences of surrender and stillness, users are guided into this state through minimal input, soft visuals, and ambient spatial audio.
Users are encouraged to lie down or sit, creating a physical posture of stillness. The only interaction is passive—triggered by the user’s seated position—allowing them to release control and sink into the space.
My Role
During my residency at Gray Area, I created the entire experience—from concept and visual design to audio, development, and implementation across multiple platforms. I also demoed it regularly, gathering feedback from peers and showcase audiences.
• Concept + environmental design
• 3D modeling and animation (Maya)
• VR development (Unity + C#)
• Spatialized sound (GarageBand)
• Platform optimization for Gear VR and HTC Vive
• Developed for mobile VR (Gear VR)
• Showcased at Gray Area Incubator Showcase
• Limitations: Low performance, no positional tracking, weaker sense of presence
• Gathered audience feedback on pacing, comfort, and visual clarity
