There are some prerequisites that need to be addressed first in order to influence what can be achieved design-wise. The primary challenge is to make the designs simple enough to be able to run on a variety of devices, yet still remaining visually stimulating. This main consideration influences a lot of the decisions I’ve made regarding the design language.

BUILDING BLOCKS

This would be similar in principle to Minecrafts simple building system, in that I propose there be a base ‘unit’ or atom of material that you build the world up with. This would be restricted to two main shapes, cubes and half cubes, split diagonally at 45 degrees. These blocks would be small enough so they can build most objects. This would also make an extremely unique aesthetic for the world, allowing for potentially complex geometric shapes. The restrictions could help mitigate hacking and invalid structures, blocking anything that doesn’t follow the protocols rules.


A WORLD OF LIGHT

The blocks would also act as the only light sources for the virtual world, meaning there would be no environmental lighting (from suns etc). Again, the aim is to create a unique and atmospheric world that doesn’t destroy underpowered computers. [Check out the mood board for the architecture]


EASY BLOCK CONFIGURATION

Users would be able to configure the blocks they use to create their particular spaces very similarly to how graphic design programs let you choose fill and stroke colours of layers. The blocks would have a range of customizable categories including:

- Colour. These base blocks would be restricted to black and white for consistency. Matte by default.
- Lighting type. The user would be able to specify whether the whole block is a light source, and/or whether only particular edges are.
- Lighting colour. The user would be able to specify what colour the lighting source emits
- Block consistency, i.e. solid, translucent or transparent.


USER INTERFACES

The actual user interfaces for all user built apps (bitcoin wallets, messaging, web browsing, cinema screens etc), would be built ontop of this minimalist world, allowing for interesting interaction possibilities. We have the ability to utilize depth of field for the first time in these user interfaces. This would be the most open aspect of the world, and from a UX standpoint it could be similar to how browser extensions are developed and added. There will need to be a framework for how these extras are integrated, but not so that it stifles potential creativity. [Check out the mood board for the UI]

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BY CHRIS ROBINSON