<p>What does it take to design stories people can step into and feel?</p><p>Aditi Rajagopal is the Head of Experience Design, Immersive at Atlantic Studios, where she creates interactive educational and entertainment experiences for platforms like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest. Her recent project, <a target="_blank" href="https://atlanticstudios.co.uk/work/cosmos-in-focus/"><em>Cosmos in Focus</em></a>—a virtual planetarium featured at SXSW, turns James Webb Space Telescope data into an emotional, interactive experience that makes the universe feel close and personal.</p><p>Her career spans animation, creative strategy, and immersive storytelling roles at Meta across India, Singapore, and the UK. She’s worked with brands like Spotify, Samsung, and Uber, and has been recognized at Cannes, SXSW, and D&AD.</p><p>In this episode, we talk about designing for presence instead of novelty, choreographing focus in 3D space, and building immersive experiences that balance wonder with access. We explore how behavior, empathy, and inclusivity shape immersive media and what it takes to lower the barriers for more diverse creators to enter the space.</p><p>If you care about the future of storytelling, education, or interactive design, this conversation will expand your creative lens.</p><p><strong>What we explore in this episode:</strong></p><p>Defining immersive media beyond hype</p><p>How <em>Cosmos in Focus</em> turns data into emotion</p><p>The “choreography of focus” as a design skill</p><p>Why headset access limits storytelling equity</p><p>Designing for behavior, empathy, and unexpected users</p><p>Entry points for creators using no-code and low-cost tools</p><p>Breaking outdated “rules” in VR and XR design</p><p><strong>Shownotes and transcript:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://unmissables.substack.com/p/making-the-invisible-interactive">https://unmissables.substack.com/p/making-the-invisible-interactive</a></p><p><strong>Where to find Aditi Rajagopal</strong></p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://atlanticstudios.co.uk/work/cosmos-in-focus/">linkedin.com/in/aditirajagopal</a></p><p><strong>Where to find Ariba Jahan</strong></p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://atlanticstudios.co.uk/work/cosmos-in-focus/">linkedin.com/in/aribajahan</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://atlanticstudios.co.uk/work/cosmos-in-focus/">Instagram</a>: @ariba.jahan</p><p>Newsletter: <a target="_blank" href="https://atlanticstudios.co.uk/work/cosmos-in-focus/">unmissableswithariba.com</a></p><p><strong>Follow along:</strong></p><p>00:00 – Welcome + Meet Aditi Rajagopal</p><p>02:49 – Magic and Potential of Spatial Storytelling</p><p>05:13 – Defining Immersive Experiences</p><p>07:35 – Designing for Presence</p><p>10:17 – Creating Emotional Connections</p><p>12:52 – Inside <em>Cosmos in Focus</em></p><p>15:42 – The Choreography of Focus</p><p>18:15 – Lessons from Collaboration</p><p>20:36 – The Future of Immersive Storytelling</p><p>25:43 – The Future of Spatial Computing</p><p>27:34 – Challenges in Spatial Design</p><p>33:03 – Diversity in Storytelling</p><p>34:13 – Barriers for Creators</p><p>35:15 – Getting Started in Immersive Storytelling</p><p>38:20 – Responsibility in Storytelling</p><p>41:17 – Behavioral Shifts in Immersive Experiences</p><p>43:17 – Breaking the Rules of Immersive Storytelling</p><p>45:37 – Encouragement for Aspiring Storytellers</p><p>47:23 – Outro</p><p><strong>Enjoying Unmissables?</strong></p><p>Your review helps others discover the show. Please leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and a review on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!</p><p><strong>I want to hear from you! </strong></p><p>Drop in the comments or reach out to me to share what types of topics and questions you want explored on future episodes.</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Unmissables with Ariba Jahan at <a href="https://unmissables.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">unmissables.substack.com/subscribe</a>