Creative Process Journal

Week 16: Phygi Land

Phygi Land is a global digital metaverse marketplace that provides a 3D space for buyers and sellers to interact with Phygital assets. It consists of three spaces: Phygi Pop, Phygi Heroes, and Phygi Mart, where the collectibles are organized according to their respective categories. These Phygital assets are created by 3D scanning physical collectibles to create an NFT counterpart on the blockchain. This allows for the convenience and accessibility of digital assets while still being able to interact with the physical collectible.

First shop - Phygi Mart

Phygi Mart is a destination for general collectibles, offering a wide range of items that people love to collect, no matter what their interests may be. From unique finds to one-of-a-kind treasures, Phygi Mart is the place to discover something interesting and unexpected. Our selection includes rare collectibles that you won't find elsewhere, making it a true collector's paradise. With a diverse array of brands and products, Phygi Mart is your one-stop-shop for all your collecting needs.

Second shop - Phygi Mart

This space is dedicated to showcasing the concept of superheroes, which is why it is called Phygi-Heroes. The collection includes popular characters from Star Wars, DC Comics, and Marvel. The name Phygi-Heroes comes from my realization that many people love collecting hero figurines. The items I have scanned are able to fill the space, and I have an extensive collection of 3D-scanned heroes as well.

Phygi Pop

At this space, my aim is to bring out the fun side of collecting. Each collectible here has its own charm and uniqueness, making it a joy to discover and own. Our branding is centered around the color red, which reflects the bold and playful nature of the items offer. I believe that collecting should be a fun and exciting experience, and our space is designed to reflect that sentiment.

Lobby

The user starts at the central lobby and can choose to head towards one of the three stores on the left, front, or right. The floor plan follows a shopping mall layout concept known as the "dumb-bell" design, in which larger stores (anchors) are positioned at opposite ends of the mall to act as attraction points for customers. This creates a flow between the anchors and drives traffic to the smaller shops, mimicking the natural flow of people in a street. The goal of the mall owner is to optimise rent by evenly distributing foot traffic to all shops, not just those in prime locations.

What is inside Phygi Land?

The user flow begins at the central lobby, from where the user turns left to enter Phygipop for purchasing items. The user flow is further explained through slides, which showcase the retail spaces, features, and quests. The retail spaces are divided into three categories- General Collectibles, Pop Mart, and Action Figures, each offering a unique shopping experience. The collectibles are organized into their respective categories, making it easier for users to explore and find what they are looking for.

How to digitalise your physical collectibles

A digital element of the collectible is obtained through the process of 3D scanning a physical collectible, creating an NFT counterpart on the blockchain. The digital asset must thus resemble the physical collectible as closely as possible. These digital and physical elements are then tied together using technologies like NFT smart contracts and can thus be called a Phygital collectible. This Phygital relationship gives buyers and sellers the best of both worlds, where they can still interact with the physical collectible while gaining the convenience and accessibility of the digital counterpart, allowing it to be viewed in a 3D space by a global audience and sold in a globalised digital metaverse marketplace.

Phygi Mart Tour

Phygi Pop Tour

Phygi Pop Heroes

Execution 1

For the set up, I have scanned 50 physical collectibles and make into a publication book. Every pages of the book are the scanned collectibles that are tied to NFT on opensea. Which can be view using the QR code. In my set up, there will be a video showing how it works. The process of 3D scanning.

Execution 2

Creating a marketplace in the metaverse

Phygi Land is a global digital metaverse marketplace that provides a 3D space for buyers and sellers to interact with Phygital assets. When someone purchases an item, they will receive both the physical and digital collectible. It consists of three spaces: Phygi Pop, Phygi Heroes, and Phygi Mart, where the collectibles are organized according to their respective categories. These Phygital assets are created by 3D scanning physical collectibles to create an NFT counterpart on the blockchain. This allows for the convenience and accessibility of digital assets while still being able to interact with the physical collectible.

What's in the set up?

In this section, there is an iMac which unfortunately runs quite slowly when displaying the character's movements and interactions in the world. To provide a better experience, I played the video using an iPad, which allowed people to view the world without any lag. Additionally, I added more details to the board to provide further explanation of what is inside the world.

Reflection

This project has explored the potential of Phygital assets within the collectibles market, which is a challenging task given that it is still an emerging and new concept. While real-life examples are scarce, Phygital assets provide more convenience and accessibility compared to traditional physical or digital assets. In research, it was discovered that accurate 3D scanning can be challenging, particularly for complex shapes, and may also be prohibitively expensive. Although mobile applications exist, equipment is needed to improve accuracy. Through self-experimentation and user testing, Qlone was chosen as the best application for 3D scanning. Overall, "Qlone" was the best option for scanning physical objects into digital scans. The mobile app provides accessibility and convenience while providing the best accuracy in the shortest time frame. It is user-friendly and quality was able to be improved by using additional equipment like a turntable and tripod. Designing and delivering an immersive virtual environment proved challenging as it requires a deep understanding of user needs and preferences. Incorporating an online auction house further adds to the complexity. The metaverse also has to be accessible and convenient for users to buy, sell and trade on this platform. Creating a floor plan and user journey was crucial in developing the prototype. Based on research, the optimal position and display for digitized assets were determined. Through several iterations in the Unity game engine, following thorough feedback and design improvements, a successful product and marketplace are feasible. People should investigate how technology might enhance their lives as it develops, and physical assets present a viable way to take use of the digital, Metaverse, and technology. There is a growing interest in digital collectibles as NFTs gain acceptability and appeal. The potential for innovation and creativity with Phygitals assets is limitless. Phygitals assets provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences, and the potential for innovation and creativity is endless. By embracing this new concept, people can discover new ways to interact, engage, and enjoy their daily lives.