FMX 2026 Spatial Storytelling Track - No Instructions, No Controllers: Building Mixed Reality Attractions for the Real World

How do you design a mixed reality attraction that works for families, first-time players, noisy public spaces, and people of all ages without relying on instructions, traditional UI, controllers, or even headset straps?

In this episode, Allan Yde shares a practical breakdown of building large-scale mixed reality experiences for location-based entertainment. He explores the realities of designing for public venues where players need to understand the experience immediately, interactions must feel natural, and every object should respond in a satisfying way.

Topics include hand tracking, no-controller interaction design, diegetic UI, physical wand prototypes, non-linear attraction layouts, spell-based mechanics, simplifying puzzles, testing outside the studio, designing for children and older adults, and using body occlusion to keep shared MR spaces safe.

A grounded look at what it takes to move mixed reality beyond the prototype stage and into real-world attractions people can actually play, understand, and enjoy.