Navigating Spatial Design
Blending Realities with Apple Vision Pro.
In 2023, Apple introduced Vision Pro — a groundbreaking spatial computer that seamlessly merges digital content with the real world. Unlike traditional screens, Vision Pro creates a three-dimensional interface layered over reality, powered by visionOS. With advanced eye tracking, hand gestures, and spatial audio, it allows users to interact intuitively with digital elements, redefining human-computer interaction. This project documents my exploration into spatial design through Apple Vision Pro — culminating in a UI component library, a visionOS concept login screen, and a reimagined Photos app experience.
Introduction to Spatial Design
Introduction to Spatial Design
Designing for visionOS
Designing for visionOS
UI Component Library for visionOS
As spatial computing becomes increasingly relevant, designers must understand how digital interfaces evolve when layered within physical environments. Spatial design bridges physical presence and digital immersion.
As spatial computing becomes increasingly relevant, designers must understand how digital interfaces evolve when layered within physical environments. Spatial design bridges physical presence and digital immersion.
Designing for visionOS requires an entirely new mindset. Apple’s HIG outlines the principles, device characteristics, and UI patterns unique to this platform. I studied these closely to inform the designs in this project.
Understanding the Device and Its Design Philosophy
visionOS introduces an infinite canvas where content floats freely in space, untethered by screen edges. It blends passthrough—where users remain in their environment—and full immersion—a completely digital world. Interactions rely on natural inputs like eyes, hands, and voice, requiring intuitive UI that responds to gestures like pinching, dragging, and gaze-based selection.
Design Goals
Design for visionOS means respecting the user’s space by avoiding clutter and grounding the UI in space using realistic materials, light, and shadow. It prioritizes legibility and usability across varying depths and lighting conditions, ensuring transitions and movements feel natural, smooth, and comfortable—never overwhelming or dizzying.
Designing for visionOS requires an entirely new mindset. Apple’s HIG outlines the principles, device characteristics, and UI patterns unique to this platform. I studied these closely to inform the designs in this project.
Understanding the Device and Its Design Philosophy
visionOS introduces an infinite canvas where content floats freely in space, untethered by screen edges. It blends passthrough—where users remain in their environment—and full immersion—a completely digital world. Interactions rely on natural inputs like eyes, hands, and voice, requiring intuitive UI that responds to gestures like pinching, dragging, and gaze-based selection.
Design Goals
Design for visionOS means respecting the user’s space by avoiding clutter and grounding the UI in space using realistic materials, light, and shadow. It prioritizes legibility and usability across varying depths and lighting conditions, ensuring transitions and movements feel natural, smooth, and comfortable—never overwhelming or dizzying.
Before designing full screens, I explored foundational UI components tailored for visionOS—carefully balancing spatial depth, legibility, and natural interaction. Alongside UI elements, I also defined a system of colors, typography, and materials that align with the immersive and responsive nature of spatial environments.
Before designing full screens, I explored foundational UI components tailored for visionOS—carefully balancing spatial depth, legibility, and natural interaction. Alongside UI elements, I also defined a system of colors, typography, and materials that align with the immersive and responsive nature of spatial environments.
Spatial design breaks the frame of flat screens, letting interfaces float, blend, and adapt to real-world contexts. Designers shape volumes, proximities, and interactions in 3D space—using depth, blur, and motion to guide focus. The goal is to make digital content feel intuitive and immersive while keeping users grounded, in control, and part of the experience.
Spatial design breaks the frame of flat screens, letting interfaces float, blend, and adapt to real-world contexts. Designers shape volumes, proximities, and interactions in 3D space—using depth, blur, and motion to guide focus. The goal is to make digital content feel intuitive and immersive while keeping users grounded, in control, and part of the experience.
From Flat Screens to Spatial Layers
Presence and Perception
Depth and Focus
Login Page Concept for visionOS
To apply the above components, I designed a login screen concept for a productivity app on visionOS.
Blurred Passthrough
Smooth Spatial Transitions
Floating Container
Gaze-Activated Inputs
Gesture-Based Keyboard
Navigating the World of Spatial Design
Exploring the Photos App in Spatial Context
Final Thoughts
Prototype Video
In the ever-evolving tech landscape, new horizons are unfolding in the realm of spatial design. This section blends conceptual exploration and practical application.
As new guidelines reshape our approach, one intriguing concept takes center stage: the incorporation of 3D space.
In the ever-evolving tech landscape, new horizons are unfolding in the realm of spatial design. This section blends conceptual exploration and practical application.
As new guidelines reshape our approach, one intriguing concept takes center stage: the incorporation of 3D space.
This exploration into spatial design has deepened my appreciation for designing beyond screens — toward experiences that are present, interactive, and emotionally immersive. Apple Vision Pro marks only the beginning. As designers, we must adapt and evolve to meet this spatial future with intentionality and creativity.
To explore how spatial design principles could enhance everyday apps, I reimagined the Photos app for Apple Vision Pro. The redesign allows users to browse memories in a layered 3D space—navigating through years, months, and days with immersive depth, spatial transitions, and intuitive interactions. Albums feel like environments, and dynamic playback brings moments to life in a more personal, emotional way.
The Rise of Vibrancy
One of the most captivating aspects is the fusion of spatial sound, screen UI, and environmental lighting — an effect called “vibrancy.” This synergy creates multisensory, emotionally resonant experiences where light and sound amplify user engagement.
Designing Familiarity in 3D
The first principle of effective spatial UI is familiarity. The goal is to reduce cognitive load by keeping interaction patterns consistent with traditional 2D interfaces — buttons still feel like buttons, cards still organize content — but placed in 3D space. By creating familiarity, users feel confident and grounded in a world that’s new but still understandable.
The Rise of Vibrancy
One of the most captivating aspects is the fusion of spatial sound, screen UI, and environmental lighting — an effect called “vibrancy.” This synergy creates multisensory, emotionally resonant experiences where light and sound amplify user engagement.
Designing Familiarity in 3D
The first principle of effective spatial UI is familiarity. The goal is to reduce cognitive load by keeping interaction patterns consistent with traditional 2D interfaces — buttons still feel like buttons, cards still organize content — but placed in 3D space. By creating familiarity, users feel confident and grounded in a world that’s new but still understandable.
Immersive Photo Browsing
Layered Timeline Navigation
Spatial Transitions
Dynamic Memory Playback
Album as Environment
THANK YOU
Design Project By - SRIJAN
Whoa there, tiny screen!
This one's meant to be seen on a canvas as wide as its ideas.
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