20+ VR/MR Prototypes on Meta Quest by Valari Labs

YouTube playlist of over 20+ Virtual and Mixed Reality Prototypes on Meta Quest

Overview

Over the course of two years, I led the development of over twenty mini proof-of-concept projects for the Meta Quest platform. These prototypes were designed as rapid explorations of VR interaction, immersive design, and emerging technology—each focused on a unique mechanic, from gesture-based interactions to spatial puzzles.

While modest in scope individually, the collection served as a research and innovation portfolio, giving our team the opportunity to test ideas quickly, validate design assumptions, and ultimately deepen our understanding of what makes VR experiences compelling, intuitive, and scalable.

The breadth of these projects not only sharpened our technical expertise but also created a reusable foundation for future VR applications.

My Role

As the senior developer and team leader, I directed the technical vision and set the roadmap for experimentation. I:

Defined the architecture and prototyping standards used across all projects.
Reviewed and optimized code to ensure scalability and maintainability.
Mentored junior developers, breaking down complex problems into digestible steps.
Researched new SDKs, frameworks, and APIs—often diving into raw documentation when tutorials or guides were scarce.

This combination of leadership and hands-on technical work allowed me to guide the team while ensuring our prototypes met a high standard of innovation and quality.

Top 5 Highlighted Proof of Concepts

1. VR Sand Casting Simulation

A training-focused prototype that taught the basics of sand casting, using AutoHands SDK for smooth, realistic grab and point mechanics. This was our third project built on a custom VR training template, which I spearheaded to accelerate the creation of future linear VR training applications.

2. Cross-Platform Multiplayer (Meta Quest & visionOS)

We successfully connected Meta Quest and visionOS users in real-time using Unity’s Netcode for GameObjects. This proof of concept proved that cross-platform multiplayer experiences were not only possible but also seamless, opening up new frontiers for shared immersive spaces.

3. Conversational AI in VR

By integrating Convai AI, we created a life-size 3D character capable of responding dynamically to real-time voice input. This exploration of conversational AI laid the groundwork for more natural and human-like interactions within VR training and gaming scenarios.

4. Welding Training with Conversational AI Instructor

Expanding on the conversational AI work, we built a virtual instructor that dynamically adapted to the user’s actions. The AI could explain steps, respond to questions, and change its state depending on user triggers—effectively simulating a human trainer in VR.

5. Alien Abduction Mixed Reality Experience

Using a custom pass-through shader, we blended MR and VR seamlessly, allowing players to “peek” between real and virtual worlds. The result was a playful, surreal mixed-reality experience that highlighted how shaders and MR blending can transform immersion.

Development Process

Each proof of concept followed a rapid prototyping cycle:

Define a single mechanic or interaction to explore.
Build a lean prototype within days or weeks.
Playtest internally and refine based on feedback.
Document findings to inform future projects.

This disciplined approach enabled us to move quickly while still ensuring that each project produced valuable technical and design insights.

Challenges & Leadership

The most challenging aspect of this journey was navigating the lack of resources in a fast-evolving space like VR. Unlike more mature platforms, VR often lacks robust tutorials or community support. I relied heavily on documentation and experimentation, turning those learnings into actionable guidance for my team.

As a leader, I placed strong emphasis on mentorship—breaking down complex problems into approachable tasks, unblocking junior developers when they got stuck, and fostering a culture of curiosity and resilience. This approach not only accelerated project delivery but also strengthened the technical confidence of the team.

Impact & Results

While these prototypes were primarily research-driven, they had tangible real-world impact:

Reusability: The VR training template reduced development time for future training-focused projects.
Commercial Success: Our Gym VR Motivation prototype inspired a client project for the Vision Pro, now live on the visionOS App Store, where users perform exercises linked to stock chart patterns.
Innovation: By validating cross-platform multiplayer, conversational AI, and MR blending, we positioned ourselves at the cutting edge of VR experimentation.

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