Abstract
In the post-pandemic era, this thesis looks into how gamification and augmented reality (AR) can get customers back into physical retail settings. Brick-and-mortar stores have found it difficult to stay relevant as consumer preferences have shifted toward online convenience. Shopping Quest attempts to make in-store grocery shopping an engaging experience. The project started with qualitative surveys using a human-centered design process to determine the main frustrations of shoppers, which were navigation and remembering what to buy. The final idea makes use of a wearable AR interface that directs users with a virtual rocket and promotes exploration with collectible digital petals. These characteristics provide progression, reduce decision fatigue, and make shopping feel purposeful. Iterative testing was used to create the final prototype, which was improved with user input and public showcase presentations. Visual design decisions were informed by principles of spatial clarity and emotional resonance, borrowing from familiar digital languages and narrative cues. The platform repositions physical shopping as an emotionally rich experience by combining storytelling, navigation, and sensory interaction. This thesis provides a model for how retail environments can move beyond efficiency toward experiential value and shows how AR and gamified design can reengage users with real-world spaces.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Grocery shopping--Interactive multimedia--Design; Gamification; Augmented reality--Design
Publication Date
5-9-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Student Type
Graduate
Degree Name
Visual Communication Design (MFA)
Department, Program, or Center
Design, School of
College
College of Art and Design
Advisor
Mike Strobert
Advisor/Committee Member
Adam Smith
Recommended Citation
Sarvepalli, Nagasai Vardhan Rao, "Shopping Quest: Transforming the shopping experience by creating a more immersive and enjoyable experience" (2025). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from
https://repository.rit.edu/theses/12151
Campus
RIT – Main Campus
Plan Codes
VISCOM-MFA