VR allows for an immersive, interactive product experience. It is especially helpful for large, complex products, like the engines and turbomachinery that MAN builds. The technology makes it possible to explain these intricate machines – remotely, for training purposes, at trade shows, or in future applications, like remote maintenance work. 

We created a VR design system that includes a systemic, modular GUI kit to define the brand and how it is perceived in the virtual space. More than a classic set of rules, it provides basic information, principles, sample applications as well as all tools necessary to design and develop VR experiences. Flexible, modular and scalable, it is the versatile foundation for all future brand applications in VR.

The VR brand space we created can be scaled and compartmentalized depending on the application and product size. From a usability standpoint, it is optimized for perfect 3-D performance with low-poly modeling and simple textures. The brand is reflected in the streamlined, minimalistic design vocabulary, which places a strong focus on each product. 

Martin Stich-Kluge, Head of Corporate Design and Brand MAN Energy Solutions: »We create a huge point of contact with the brand with each VR application. In this case, immersion means moving within the MAN brand world and interacting with it in a very direct way. With the VR design system, we ensure that the experience is on brand while meeting all of our requirements.«

The VR design system contains a GUI kit for three-dimensional VR user interface elements. These can also be adapted and scaled in line with thematic and conceptual requirements. Their appearance as well as their positions, proportions, emphasis and interaction in space are defined in a systematic way.

Based on simple basic units, it is easy to scale each component while ensuring a brand-compliant look across all applications, even newly created GUI elements. The pattern library for digital applications we developed along with the new visual identity provided the foundation.