The Underworld Collective

Two Coins Below

Overview

Narrative & Planning

Reimagined the myth of Persephone into an interactive pirate adventure
Developed a narrative arc and choice-based flow
Created detailed storyboards and mapped out environments
Conducted early research to ground themes and tone

Design & Development

Built 9 explorable 3D VR rooms using Blender and Spline
Created interactive elements like drawers, doors, and environmental storytelling
Designed AR visuals in Adobe Aero, triggered by a custom-built book box

Digital & Physical Artifacts

Developed an interactive 3D website with Spline
Crafted a laser-cut lantern, clay book box, and cement hand for physical immersion
Used Lumion to render panoramic environments for immersive previews on Instagram

User Testing & Refinement

Ran usability tests with diverse users across AR and VR
Collected feedback on interaction, clarity, and navigation
Iterated on design based on insights from testing

Documentation & Case Study

Captured screenshots, working shots, and process reflections throughout
Organized research, visuals, and team contributions
Built this case study website to present the full journey

Framework
We adopted IBM’s Design Thinking framework to guide our creative process. As an iterative, user-centered model, it helped us stay focused on both the user experience and the emotional impact of the story. The five stages—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—shaped how we developed every part of our project, from narrative and visual design to physical and digital interaction.
{ 01 } Empathize
We began by identifying our target audience: tech-savvy young adults interested in fantasy, storytelling, and immersive media. Through early research and persona creation, we focused on understanding what kinds of interactive experiences would resonate most emotionally and experientially.
{ 02 } Define
We reframed the classic myth of Persephone into a coming-of-age story about freedom, love, and rebellion. The problem space became: How might we let users explore a personal transformation through an interactive mythological world?
{ 03 } Ideate
Our team brainstormed ways to bring the story to life across multiple mediums. This included designing an explorable VR world, an AR experience triggered by a physical artifact, and tactile objects like a lantern and book box. We mapped out key user journeys, environments, and story beats across formats.
{ 04 } Prototype
We built a series of prototypes:
- 3D VR environments using Spline
- AR animations with Adobe Aero
- A physical book box with a hidden AR trigger
- A Spline-based interactive website
- Panoramic renders using Lumion
{ 05 } Test
Usability testing was conducted with users of varying backgrounds and experience levels. Their feedback helped us refine navigation, visual cues, and the clarity of interaction. We incorporated this feedback into the final build, ensuring that both VR and AR components felt intuitive and engaging.
Framework
We adopted IBM’s Design Thinking framework to guide our creative process. As an iterative, user-centered model, it helped us stay focused on both the user experience and the emotional impact of the story. The five stages—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—shaped how we developed every part of our project, from narrative and visual design to physical and digital interaction.
{ 01 } Empathize
We began by identifying our target audience: tech-savvy young adults interested in fantasy, storytelling, and immersive media. Through early research and persona creation, we focused on understanding what kinds of interactive experiences would resonate most emotionally and experientially.
{ 02 } Define
We reframed the classic myth of Persephone into a coming-of-age story about freedom, love, and rebellion. The problem space became: How might we let users explore a personal transformation through an interactive mythological world?
{ 03 } Ideate
Our team brainstormed ways to bring the story to life across multiple mediums. This included designing an explorable VR world, an AR experience triggered by a physical artifact, and tactile objects like a lantern and book box. We mapped out key user journeys, environments, and story beats across formats.
{ 04 } Prototype
We built a series of prototypes:
- 3D VR environments using Spline
- AR animations with Adobe Aero
- A physical book box with a hidden AR trigger
- A Spline-based interactive website
- Panoramic renders using Lumion
{ 05 } Test
Usability testing was conducted with users of varying backgrounds and experience levels. Their feedback helped us refine navigation, visual cues, and the clarity of interaction. We incorporated this feedback into the final build, ensuring that both VR and AR components felt intuitive and engaging.
Framework
We adopted IBM’s Design Thinking framework to guide our creative process. As an iterative, user-centered model, it helped us stay focused on both the user experience and the emotional impact of the story. The five stages—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—shaped how we developed every part of our project, from narrative and visual design to physical and digital interaction.
{ 01 } Empathize
We began by identifying our target audience: tech-savvy young adults interested in fantasy, storytelling, and immersive media. Through early research and persona creation, we focused on understanding what kinds of interactive experiences would resonate most emotionally and experientially.
{ 02 } Define
We reframed the classic myth of Persephone into a coming-of-age story about freedom, love, and rebellion. The problem space became: How might we let users explore a personal transformation through an interactive mythological world?
{ 03 } Ideate
Our team brainstormed ways to bring the story to life across multiple mediums. This included designing an explorable VR world, an AR experience triggered by a physical artifact, and tactile objects like a lantern and book box. We mapped out key user journeys, environments, and story beats across formats.
{ 04 } Prototype
We built a series of prototypes:
- 3D VR environments using Spline
- AR animations with Adobe Aero
- A physical book box with a hidden AR trigger
- A Spline-based interactive website
- Panoramic renders using Lumion
{ 05 } Test
Usability testing was conducted with users of varying backgrounds and experience levels. Their feedback helped us refine navigation, visual cues, and the clarity of interaction. We incorporated this feedback into the final build, ensuring that both VR and AR components felt intuitive and engaging.
Framework
We adopted IBM’s Design Thinking framework to guide our creative process. As an iterative, user-centered model, it helped us stay focused on both the user experience and the emotional impact of the story. The five stages—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—shaped how we developed every part of our project, from narrative and visual design to physical and digital interaction.
{ 01 } Empathize
We began by identifying our target audience: tech-savvy young adults interested in fantasy, storytelling, and immersive media. Through early research and persona creation, we focused on understanding what kinds of interactive experiences would resonate most emotionally and experientially.
{ 02 } Define
We reframed the classic myth of Persephone into a coming-of-age story about freedom, love, and rebellion. The problem space became: How might we let users explore a personal transformation through an interactive mythological world?
{ 03 } Ideate
Our team brainstormed ways to bring the story to life across multiple mediums. This included designing an explorable VR world, an AR experience triggered by a physical artifact, and tactile objects like a lantern and book box. We mapped out key user journeys, environments, and story beats across formats.
{ 04 } Prototype
We built a series of prototypes:
- 3D VR environments using Spline
- AR animations with Adobe Aero
- A physical book box with a hidden AR trigger
- A Spline-based interactive website
- Panoramic renders using Lumion
{ 05 } Test
Usability testing was conducted with users of varying backgrounds and experience levels. Their feedback helped us refine navigation, visual cues, and the clarity of interaction. We incorporated this feedback into the final build, ensuring that both VR and AR components felt intuitive and engaging.

Tools Used

VR Development: Spline, Blender, Meshy AI (experimentation)

AR Animation: Adobe Aero (QR-triggered visuals)

Digital Artifacts: Spline (3D website), Lumion

Physical Artifacts: Laser cutting, air-dry clay, cement molding

Case Study: Framer

Narrative Summary

Persephone, a noblewoman trapped in an arranged life, escapes to a seaside market where she meets the mysterious pirate captain Hades. Together, they journey through stolen moments, family conflict, and dangerous seas. The story unfolds across various interactive media, allowing users to follow Persephone’s choices—from rebellion to transformation—toward freedom and self-discovery.

Core Themes

Freedom

Courage

Self-discovery

Fantasy

Romance

Target Audience

This project is aimed at tech-savvy young adults (ages 15–30) who are drawn to fantasy, interactive media, and narrative-rich experiences. Our audience values agency, immersive storytelling, and visual engagement. We also considered accessibility for non-VR users by offering layered experiences across AR, web, and physical objects.

Story Board & Narrative Arc

Scene 1
Setting: A bustling seaside market at sunset.
Plot: Persephone, a noblewoman, sneaks out of her family’s estate in disguise, seeking a moment of freedom. She encounters Hades, a roguish pirate captain, who is in town for supplies. Their eyes meet, and an instant connection sparks.
Tone: Romantic and adventurous, setting up their chemistry and the idea of forbidden love.
Scene 2
Setting: Persephone’s room, overlooking the sea.
Plot: Back at her estate, Persephone gazes longingly at the sea, clutching a trinket Hades gave her—a pirate’s coin with pomegranate imagery. Her parents, Demeter and Zeus, enter, discussing plans to arrange her marriage to a wealthy nobleman, further emphasizing their control over her life.
Tone: Melancholic, highlighting her sense of entrapment.
Scene 3
Setting: The estate gardens under the moonlight.
Plot: Persephone secretly meets Hades near the estate’s edge. He urges her to leave her life behind and join him on his ship. Torn but determined, she agrees.
Tone: Thrilling and romantic, a pivotal moment where Persephone chooses freedom and love.
Scene 4
Setting: Demeter’s study, filled with maps and sea charts.
Plot: Persephone’s parents discover her absence and learn she’s fled with Hades. Furious, they send ships and bounty hunters after the pirate crew, determined to retrieve her.
Tone: Tense and foreboding, introducing the external conflict and stakes.
Scene 5
Setting: A hidden cove or an island where Hades’ crew takes refuge.
Plot: Hades and Persephone share a rare moment of peace. They discuss their future together and dream of a life free from societal constraints. However, Persephone expresses guilt and fear over defying her family.
Tone: Bittersweet, showing both the depth of their love and the weight of their choices.
Scene 6
Setting: The pirate ship as it is ambushed at sea.
Plot: The nobleman Persephone was meant to marry has discovered them, leading her family’s fleet to their location. A fierce battle ensues. Persephone is captured and taken aboard her family’s ship while Hades fights desperately to reach her.
Tone: Action-packed and emotional, heightening the tension.
Scene 7
Setting: The deck of her family’s ship, surrounded by guards.
Plot: Persephone stands before her parents, who demand she return to her noble life. Hades, held at swordpoint, refuses to beg for his life but declares his love for her. Persephone boldly defies her parents, proclaiming her right to choose her own fate.
Tone: Climactic and empowering, as Persephone asserts her independence.
Scene 8
Setting: Hades’ ship sailing into the horizon.
Plot: Persephone and Hades sail away together, leaving her old life behind. Her parents watch from the shore, powerless to stop her. Persephone looks toward the horizon, free at last, while Hades takes her hand, promising her a life of adventure. She wears the pomegranate coin on a necklace, and takes her place as the co-captain of his ship.
Tone: Hopeful and triumphant, a satisfying resolution to their star-crossed love story.
Scene 1
Setting: A bustling seaside market at sunset.
Plot: Persephone, a noblewoman, sneaks out of her family’s estate in disguise, seeking a moment of freedom. She encounters Hades, a roguish pirate captain, who is in town for supplies. Their eyes meet, and an instant connection sparks.
Tone: Romantic and adventurous, setting up their chemistry and the idea of forbidden love.
Scene 2
Setting: Persephone’s room, overlooking the sea.
Plot: Back at her estate, Persephone gazes longingly at the sea, clutching a trinket Hades gave her—a pirate’s coin with pomegranate imagery. Her parents, Demeter and Zeus, enter, discussing plans to arrange her marriage to a wealthy nobleman, further emphasizing their control over her life.
Tone: Melancholic, highlighting her sense of entrapment.
Scene 3
Setting: The estate gardens under the moonlight.
Plot: Persephone secretly meets Hades near the estate’s edge. He urges her to leave her life behind and join him on his ship. Torn but determined, she agrees.
Tone: Thrilling and romantic, a pivotal moment where Persephone chooses freedom and love.
Scene 4
Setting: Demeter’s study, filled with maps and sea charts.
Plot: Persephone’s parents discover her absence and learn she’s fled with Hades. Furious, they send ships and bounty hunters after the pirate crew, determined to retrieve her.
Tone: Tense and foreboding, introducing the external conflict and stakes.
Scene 5
Setting: A hidden cove or an island where Hades’ crew takes refuge.
Plot: Hades and Persephone share a rare moment of peace. They discuss their future together and dream of a life free from societal constraints. However, Persephone expresses guilt and fear over defying her family.
Tone: Bittersweet, showing both the depth of their love and the weight of their choices.
Scene 6
Setting: The pirate ship as it is ambushed at sea.
Plot: The nobleman Persephone was meant to marry has discovered them, leading her family’s fleet to their location. A fierce battle ensues. Persephone is captured and taken aboard her family’s ship while Hades fights desperately to reach her.
Tone: Action-packed and emotional, heightening the tension.
Scene 7
Setting: The deck of her family’s ship, surrounded by guards.
Plot: Persephone stands before her parents, who demand she return to her noble life. Hades, held at swordpoint, refuses to beg for his life but declares his love for her. Persephone boldly defies her parents, proclaiming her right to choose her own fate.
Tone: Climactic and empowering, as Persephone asserts her independence.
Scene 8
Setting: Hades’ ship sailing into the horizon.
Plot: Persephone and Hades sail away together, leaving her old life behind. Her parents watch from the shore, powerless to stop her. Persephone looks toward the horizon, free at last, while Hades takes her hand, promising her a life of adventure. She wears the pomegranate coin on a necklace, and takes her place as the co-captain of his ship.
Tone: Hopeful and triumphant, a satisfying resolution to their star-crossed love story.
Scene 1
Setting: A bustling seaside market at sunset.
Plot: Persephone, a noblewoman, sneaks out of her family’s estate in disguise, seeking a moment of freedom. She encounters Hades, a roguish pirate captain, who is in town for supplies. Their eyes meet, and an instant connection sparks.
Tone: Romantic and adventurous, setting up their chemistry and the idea of forbidden love.
Scene 2
Setting: Persephone’s room, overlooking the sea.
Plot: Back at her estate, Persephone gazes longingly at the sea, clutching a trinket Hades gave her—a pirate’s coin with pomegranate imagery. Her parents, Demeter and Zeus, enter, discussing plans to arrange her marriage to a wealthy nobleman, further emphasizing their control over her life.
Tone: Melancholic, highlighting her sense of entrapment.
Scene 3
Setting: The estate gardens under the moonlight.
Plot: Persephone secretly meets Hades near the estate’s edge. He urges her to leave her life behind and join him on his ship. Torn but determined, she agrees.
Tone: Thrilling and romantic, a pivotal moment where Persephone chooses freedom and love.
Scene 4
Setting: Demeter’s study, filled with maps and sea charts.
Plot: Persephone’s parents discover her absence and learn she’s fled with Hades. Furious, they send ships and bounty hunters after the pirate crew, determined to retrieve her.
Tone: Tense and foreboding, introducing the external conflict and stakes.
Scene 5
Setting: A hidden cove or an island where Hades’ crew takes refuge.
Plot: Hades and Persephone share a rare moment of peace. They discuss their future together and dream of a life free from societal constraints. However, Persephone expresses guilt and fear over defying her family.
Tone: Bittersweet, showing both the depth of their love and the weight of their choices.
Scene 6
Setting: The pirate ship as it is ambushed at sea.
Plot: The nobleman Persephone was meant to marry has discovered them, leading her family’s fleet to their location. A fierce battle ensues. Persephone is captured and taken aboard her family’s ship while Hades fights desperately to reach her.
Tone: Action-packed and emotional, heightening the tension.
Scene 7
Setting: The deck of her family’s ship, surrounded by guards.
Plot: Persephone stands before her parents, who demand she return to her noble life. Hades, held at swordpoint, refuses to beg for his life but declares his love for her. Persephone boldly defies her parents, proclaiming her right to choose her own fate.
Tone: Climactic and empowering, as Persephone asserts her independence.
Scene 8
Setting: Hades’ ship sailing into the horizon.
Plot: Persephone and Hades sail away together, leaving her old life behind. Her parents watch from the shore, powerless to stop her. Persephone looks toward the horizon, free at last, while Hades takes her hand, promising her a life of adventure. She wears the pomegranate coin on a necklace, and takes her place as the co-captain of his ship.
Tone: Hopeful and triumphant, a satisfying resolution to their star-crossed love story.
Scene 1
Setting: A bustling seaside market at sunset.
Plot: Persephone, a noblewoman, sneaks out of her family’s estate in disguise, seeking a moment of freedom. She encounters Hades, a roguish pirate captain, who is in town for supplies. Their eyes meet, and an instant connection sparks.
Tone: Romantic and adventurous, setting up their chemistry and the idea of forbidden love.
Scene 2
Setting: Persephone’s room, overlooking the sea.
Plot: Back at her estate, Persephone gazes longingly at the sea, clutching a trinket Hades gave her—a pirate’s coin with pomegranate imagery. Her parents, Demeter and Zeus, enter, discussing plans to arrange her marriage to a wealthy nobleman, further emphasizing their control over her life.
Tone: Melancholic, highlighting her sense of entrapment.
Scene 3
Setting: The estate gardens under the moonlight.
Plot: Persephone secretly meets Hades near the estate’s edge. He urges her to leave her life behind and join him on his ship. Torn but determined, she agrees.
Tone: Thrilling and romantic, a pivotal moment where Persephone chooses freedom and love.
Scene 4
Setting: Demeter’s study, filled with maps and sea charts.
Plot: Persephone’s parents discover her absence and learn she’s fled with Hades. Furious, they send ships and bounty hunters after the pirate crew, determined to retrieve her.
Tone: Tense and foreboding, introducing the external conflict and stakes.
Scene 5
Setting: A hidden cove or an island where Hades’ crew takes refuge.
Plot: Hades and Persephone share a rare moment of peace. They discuss their future together and dream of a life free from societal constraints. However, Persephone expresses guilt and fear over defying her family.
Tone: Bittersweet, showing both the depth of their love and the weight of their choices.
Scene 6
Setting: The pirate ship as it is ambushed at sea.
Plot: The nobleman Persephone was meant to marry has discovered them, leading her family’s fleet to their location. A fierce battle ensues. Persephone is captured and taken aboard her family’s ship while Hades fights desperately to reach her.
Tone: Action-packed and emotional, heightening the tension.
Scene 7
Setting: The deck of her family’s ship, surrounded by guards.
Plot: Persephone stands before her parents, who demand she return to her noble life. Hades, held at swordpoint, refuses to beg for his life but declares his love for her. Persephone boldly defies her parents, proclaiming her right to choose her own fate.
Tone: Climactic and empowering, as Persephone asserts her independence.
Scene 8
Setting: Hades’ ship sailing into the horizon.
Plot: Persephone and Hades sail away together, leaving her old life behind. Her parents watch from the shore, powerless to stop her. Persephone looks toward the horizon, free at last, while Hades takes her hand, promising her a life of adventure. She wears the pomegranate coin on a necklace, and takes her place as the co-captain of his ship.
Tone: Hopeful and triumphant, a satisfying resolution to their star-crossed love story.

Narrative Arc

Characters

Usability Testing

To ensure the interactive narrative was intuitive and engaging, we conducted task-based usability testing with three participants from diverse backgrounds and experience levels with AR and VR. The primary objectives were to assess navigability, engagement, and potential friction points.

Goals

Can users successfully navigate through the environment?
Are users engaged or do they find the experience boring?
Are there specific frustrations or usability pain points?

Method

We used task-based testing, asking users to:

Explore the VR environment and navigate through multiple rooms
Locate and interact with objects embedded in the space
Experience the AR content triggered via physical artifacts and QR codes

Participants were encouraged to think aloud during the process to better capture their reactions and decision-making.

Participants

Participant 1

23 years old, has prior experience with AR/VR, and plays video games regularly.

Participant 2

18 years old, tech-savvy but no prior AR/VR experience, plays video games daily.

Participant 3

48 years old, no experience with AR/VR, does not play video games.

Observations

Participant 1

Struggled slightly with movement but enjoyed the exploration and visual aspects. Found object interactions interesting but had difficulty locating all of them.

Participant 2

Smooth navigation and quick to identify interactable elements. Expressed strong interest in narrative progression.

Participant 3

Faced more challenges with movement and object discovery but was still engaged by the story and visuals.

Summary of Results

Positives

Participant 1

Enjoyed visual environment, liked searching for interactive objects

Participant 2

Easy navigation and object interaction, engaged by narrative hints

Participant 3

Visually captivated, liked AR layer of storytelling

Negatives

Participant 1

Movement issues, difficulty finding objects, felt they were missing content

Participant 2

Wanted more storyline continuation

Participant 3

Confused about navigation, unclear where to find objects

Key Takeaways

Users enjoyed the immersive environments and interactive elements, especially the added narrative depth from AR
Movement and object discoverability could be improved, particularly for less experienced users
Participants wanted to see the story extend further, indicating narrative engagement was strong.

View All Platforms

VR Game