Ocean Dream

Reality Hack 2026

Children will inherit the consequences of today’s environmental choices, yet most climate education feels abstract and disconnected from their lived experience. We were inspired to create a playful and engaging XR experience that helps children empathize to aquatic life and understand how their actions impact ecosystems.

Features Our multiplayer XR experience allows children to: -Collaboratively build an aquatic animal using 3D puzzle blocks -See their creation come alive in its natural underwater habitat -Witness how pollution and harmful human actions affect the animal -Reflect on responsibility and how small actions can make a difference

How we built it? This app integrates OpenXR and Styly to create a shared multiplayer Mixed Reality experience using the Unity Game Engine. This application is built for Samsung Galaxy XR, but is available for various Mixed Reality headsets (including Meta Quest 3) through Unity's OpenXR API

3D models of Aquatic creatures: Created two versions of each model- one with ProBuilder using basic primitives for the puzzle version, and the refined model in Nomad Sculpt.

Challenges we ran into -Setting up and configuring the Samsung Galaxy XR device for development -Integrating Styly multiplayer content, including package downloads, configuration issues, and setup complexities -Dealing with network restrictions on MIT’s Wi-Fi, which blocked certain connections and slowed implementation -Implementing core functionality under tight time constraints, especially on the coding and technical integration side -Challenges we faced in 3D models: Exporting ProBuilder puzzles as .OBJ to incorporate into the XR version.

What we learned? -How to rapidly scope a XR experience within a short timeframe -The importance of clear narrative flow when designing immersive experiences -How collaboration across different skills (design, art, storytelling, tech) strengthens the final concept

What's next for Ocean Dreams? -Integrate the Unity world scenes fully into the XR experience -Resolve current export and compatibility issues -Improve multiplayer stability and interaction flow -Conduct user testing with children to understand engagement and emotional impact -Expand the experience to include variety of other ecosystems and climate-related scenarios

Built With

gemini
openxr
styly
unity

Submitted to

Reality Hack @ MIT 2026

Created by

I am a Unity Certified Instructor working to create a better future for humanity.

I created all the original artwork in Nomad Sculpt and Probuilder. We expect to use the Probuilder versions as the puzzle pieces for the initial XR introductory room, where the the kids/students solve the puzzles, they enter the immersion room with the fully rendered marine creatures to help empower them to feel they can make a difference in the world one small step at a time through empathetic action towards their fellow life forms.

Stacey Kalkowski
I was responsible for the Technical Art, Programming, and Systems Design of the experience. I was also the lead developer in the implementation of Styly XR Networking.

Kevin Gordon
Sharodiya Dutta
UX/UI designer crafting scalable design systems and user flows, grounded in behavioral research and interactive prototyping.
Shreya Kamath
Naveen Karasu