Meghana Deshpande

Visual Designer & Creative Strategist



01/ PROJECT
Neo-Space

A VR concept for music hosting collective Cult Of Ya in collaboration with Korean artists DPR. Scared of going outside and missing IRL concerts, the VR
space is an invitation for fans to step into DPRs world for the night and interact with each other in a fun and non-judgmental atmosphere. Focusing on personalisation, the user can fine-tune their experience, helping eliminate notions of anxiety as they are put in control.

Area of focus: How colour and UX can be utilised to introduce a sense of comfort and nostalgia to combat the somewhat sterile and cold nature of technology.

/Roles
Art Director, Strategist, UIX Designer

/Category
Brand research, Trend forecasting, UIX, App design, VR Design, Digital Interface




02/ CONTEXT
 

Conceptualised during the pandemic.

In this turbulent era, our lives have been drastically altered by the pandemic. It has disrupted our routines and forced us to reconsider our approaches to life. However, Generation Z is familiar with adapting to change. Growing up amidst constant turmoil, they have honed their ability to quickly adjust to new circumstances, recognizing that adaptation is crucial for survival.
03/ CASE STUDY

Cult of Ya.

CULT OF YA is a collective that curates and hosts exclusive shows in Europe for emerging and renowned Korean artists. Their events are intimate, affordable, and have a dedicated following. They prioritize creating meaningful experiences for both fans and artists.
04/ PROBLEM + INSIGHT 

‘We feel anxious in crowded spaces, but we are free to be vulnerable and have open conversations through the safety of digital communities.’

GEN Z turns to music for escape and as a coping mechanism, using it to address societal, personal, and political concerns. However, their anxiety about gathering in large crowds poses a risk to community-based event collectives like Cult of Ya. With the rise in physical Asian hate, GEN Z prefers staying home to avoid conflicts and opts for streaming artists on digital platforms instead.

How can we leverage technology to create a personal, intimate, and immersive experience for an audience that feels anxious and judged, yet yearns for a sense of community and belonging within an isolated environment?
05/ SOLUTION

Visual and musical escapism.

A proposed virtual concert venue on a digital planet in outer space. Each space is collaboratively designed with the artist, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the artist's world for the night. This platform serves as an extension for the artists, allowing for a cohesive narrative across concerts while still encouraging artistic experimentation. The concept stemmed from the idea of escapism, addressing Gen Z's feelings of judgment and anxiety in society. By "traveling to another planet," attendees can experience both visual and musical escapism. The space promotes community by providing tools to easily connect with friends before and during the concert.