The Zooby Animesh Baby was the first fully-animated, “virtual baby” that allowed users to experience being parents in a virtual environment.
Users could role play a life as adults; get married, start a family, and raise a child as if it was real.
Users formed strong, emotional attachments to their virtual baby.
Happiness Care
Using Heads-up Displays (Huds), users had the power to modify their babies features. This allowed infinite customization, making each baby special to its owner.
A Happiness Timer was incorporated into the Baby Hud. Users were then able to provide daily care by purchasing bottles, diapers, and wash.
We incorporated a monetization model that rewarded users when they cared for their baby.
Gems
Gems enabled owners to level up their babies. As the babies leveled up, they learned how to talk and eventually walk.
An interactive chat system was designed so that the babies would learn the words “mommy” and “daddy”.
Website
We developed a website that enabled baby owners to add a partner to support them with their child.
The website offered a way to track baby possession, making sure no babies would go astray or be taken illegally.
Affiliates
We developed a third party affiliate system. Affiliates were able to create their own textures and sell them online.
We offered texture kits for 3D modelers. The kits allowed creators to model and sell custom baby furniture using Blender or Maya.
Gifting and ZCredits
We introduced a new form of virtual currency called ZCredits. This enabled customers to purchase gift cards for baby showers.
My role
I conceptualized the baby product.
I hired and was in charge of a remote team of developers, animators, and 3D modelers. We had customer service personnel available 24/7.
I contributed to the modeling, texturing, and design of the baby. I was the UX Hud designer and worked closely with the software development team to determine functionality and ease of use.
