Embark Your Virtual Exploration via UMSVerse

When we hear the term Metaverse, our minds may conjure images of a virtual realm where one can engage in various activities, from traveling and gaming to shopping, all within the same digital space.

The popularity of the Metaverse soared when Facebook rebranded itself as Meta in the latter half of 2021. Mark Zuckerberg, at the forefront, actively promoted the concept of Metaverse, propelling it to global recognition. In Zuckerberg's vision, Metaverse is envisioned as a collection of virtual spaces that users can explore without the need for physical interaction.

Metaverse, as reported by CNBC Indonesia on Friday (17/12/2021), is essentially an immersive internet experience that users can enter. It represents a realm of limitless virtual communities, where individuals can connect, work, meet, and engage in various activities using virtual reality glasses

The ingenuity of Metaverse served as inspiration for Ikhsan Fadil, a student of Informatics Engineering Education (PTI), Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), to transform UMS into digital form. He invites us to explore the virtual world version of UMS. “We named it UMSVerse, it is a platform to introduce the campus," shared Ikhsan during our conversation on Thursday (28/12/2023).

Despite the overcast weather at the end of the year, we ventured to Campus 1 UMS to meet with Ikhsan and delve deeper into his creation, UMSVerse.

“At first, the idea came up because the study program had VR glasses. Later, the lecturers expressed interest in creating UMSVerse, an environment featuring iconic buildings like the Siti Walidah Main Building and the UMS Edutorium,” explained Ikhsan.

After receiving approval from the study program, Ikhsan initiated research on virtual reality under the guidance of Dias Aziz Pramudita, S.Pd., M.Cs., a lecturer at PTI UMS. Ikhsan utilized internet platforms like YouTube and Google Maps as primary sources for developing UMSVerse. Additionally, he conducted on-site observations around the Siti Walidah Main Building and the UMS Edutorium.

“I made field observations, looked at internet websites for photos, and also Google Maps to find out the location. I also studied the miniature of the building,” he explained.

After making a series of observations, he began to create a three-dimensional design from the data he obtained. He spent three months creating the virtual world of UMSVerse by utilizing Blender and Unity software.

The UMSVerse design developed by Ikhsan.

“I created it using a 3D application called Blender. Once the process was completed, I exported the 3D material assets and then integrated them into an application called Unity to compile the 3D materials into virtual reality,” explained the student from Banten.

Three months may seem like a short period, but for Ikhsan, the process of constructing UMSVerse's virtual reality was no walk in the park. The most significant challenge for him emerged when he transformed building assets into a three-dimensional form.

“The biggest challenge for me was creating the building assets. That process took a long time. Moreover, I had to learn this first. So it takes time too,” Ikhsan continues. 

After overcoming various obstacles, the hard work that has been done finally bears fruit. UMSVerse has been tested by many visitors and showcased in various events, ranging from the Solo Edu Expo 2023 at Graha Solo Raya to the Innovative Products Expo for UMS Lecturer and Students 2023 at Edutorium UMS.

“We’re planning to showcase UMSVerse at the Sana Sini 2024 Event on January 11, 2024. Additionally, UMSVerse will be featured at various other events to introduce the UMS campus,” he added.

We had the opportunity to embark on an adventure in the virtual reality of UMSVerse. The device we used was the Meta Quest 2, a product from 2022. It features a VR headset equipped with protective silicone to ensure additional comfort during its use.

Alongside the headset, the Meta Quest 2 device includes two controllers that assist users in interacting with virtual reality features. The Meta Quest 2 is also included with two AA batteries, adapters, charger cables, and glasses spacers.

The operation is quite straightforward. Initially, we donned the VR headset, adjusting the rubber band for a secure and comfortable fit. Subsequently, we delved into the immersive virtual world of UMSVerse.

Ikhsan helped to use the VR headset.

Navigating the virtual realm was facilitated by a controller, equipped with various buttons. The right controller facilitated teleportation and allowed us to gaze in different directions, while the left one controlled forward and backward movements. To observe the surroundings and ambiance of UMSVerse, what needed was to move the head, mimicking the experience of looking around in the physical world.

“The left controller is for going forward or backward. The right one is for selecting or clicking options in the VR. If you want to look right, left, front, or back, just move your head,” Ikhsan said while guiding us to use the VR headset. 

After trying out the virtual reality devices and exploring UMSVerse, we had a casual chat with Ikhsan about future development plans.

From the bottom of his heart, Ikhsan hoped that the virtual reality that he developed can give positive contribution to UMS

“VR UMSVerse aims to contribute positively by introducing the campus environment and participating in upcoming events,” he expressed.

Yet, Ikhsan acknowledges certain shortcomings in the virtual reality he created. He agrees that updates are necessary in various aspects, including features, building facilities, and graphic quality.

“Currently, the VR only goes up to the 2nd floor of Siti Walidah Main Building. Now, I want to upgrade it by adding some materials such as adding escalators in the Edutorium as well as adding stairs,” said Ikhsan.

Moreover, he admitted facing challenges in developing the virtual reality of the Siti Walidah Main Building on floors 3 to 7. Ikhsan acknowledged that he hadn't formulated a concept for these floors. He doesn’t rule out the possibility of involving other PTI students to extend UMSVerse by working on other buildings at UMS.

Furthermore, enhancing graphic quality poses a significant challenge. This aspect directly influences the performance of virtual reality devices, ensuring a more captivating experience.

“The quality of the images in the VR context can influence the overall experience and performance. This effect depends on various factors such as the type of VR headset, hardware specifications, and user sensitivity,” he explained.

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid