L141 : Transforming Spaces: Joanne’s Transition from Architecture to XR Design at Meta and Beyond

In this episode, Mayur is thrilled to host Joanne, an individual who transitioned from an architecture background to multidisiplinary roles in tech. Joanne shares her inspiring journey, starting with her impactful work at Perkins & Will Digital and her later internship at Meta, where she brought innovative perspectives to virtual reality product design, social interactions, and monetization projects. Joanne talks about her passion for elevating human spatial experiences and how her education at the University of Michigan helped shape her career trajectory. Throughout the video, Joanne delves deep into her extensive portfolio, highlighting her AR and VR projects that focus on inclusive design, human interaction, and innovative solutions in digital spaces. She offers insights into her design process and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Joan also discusses her involvement in hackathons like MIT Reality Hack, underlining the importance of community and real-world experiences in growing and evolving within the XR industry. Whether you're a budding designer or a seasoned professional, Joan's journey and expertise in architecture and XR design provide valuable lessons and inspiration for all. Don't miss out on this incredible conversation packed with practical advice and visionary ideas! 00:00 - Introduction 00:14 - Guest Joanne's introduction and background 01:02 - Joanne's passion for XR and architecture 01:35 - Discussion on VR, XR, and Apple's Vision Pro 05:50 - Joanne's decision to pursue a master's in architecture and information science 08:22 - Transition from architecture to VR/AR development 11:03 - Key projects in Joanne's portfolio 19:40 - In-depth project walkthrough: 'The Well' 27:35 - Joan's externship experience at 'The Well' 28:56 - Transitioning to the AR inclusive game project 34:55 - Interactive prototype development with Figma 39:56 - Companion app development for the AR game 43:15 - Experience at MIT XR Hackathon 45:03 - Joan's internships at Perkins & Will and Meta 51:01 - Imposter syndrome at Meta and coping strategies 54:13 - Tips for breaking into the XR field and using tools like Figma 55:56 - Rapid-fire questions on VR favorites, travel, role models, and more #architecturetoxr #aectech #joannehuang