VirtuRoad

Role: CEO & Co-Founder of Automotive Startup

Tools: InVision, iOS, Android, Oculus Quest, JIRA

Skills: , Marketing & Product Strategy, User Research, Financials, VC and Pitching

Timeline: Jan 2020 - June 2022

Introduction

During my sophomore year of high school, after failing my driving test and experiencing driving-related anxiety, I recognized the challenge of practicing driving skills without adequate support at home, as my parents had limited availability to assist me. Motivated to find a solution, I presented this problem to my entrepreneurship program cohort, where it resonated with many peers. This collective interest served as the foundation for developing VirtuRoad — a Virtual Reality (VR) driving simulator aimed at helping new drivers overcome anxiety and build confidence. Following the program, I further advanced the project by joining an incubator to refine the minimum viable product (MVP) and enhance the business model.

  • Problem Statement

    After failing my driving test twice, I realized how common driving anxiety is—especially for teens and young adults.

    Research shows:

    40% of teens, 25% of young adults, and 58% of parents experience fear or anxiety while driving.

    With limited access to practice and support at home, I saw a clear need for a more accessible and confidence-building solution.

  • Solution

    VirtuRoad is a VR driving simulator that helps new drivers practice in a safe, immersive environment.

    Feature Set:

    1. Real-world maps to simulate familiar routes

    2. Challenging scenarios like parking and intersections

    3. Permit-style quizzes to reinforce rules
    VirtuRoad makes driving practice more engaging, flexible, and anxiety-free—right from home.

  • Technology Used

    We chose accessible, high-impact technologies that could simulate driving conditions and user interactions from home:

    1. Unity Game Engine – for VR development

    2. Oculus Quest 2 (256GB) – standalone VR headset for immersive experience

    3. Google Maps SDK – to simulate real-world environments/routes

    4. Logitech Wheel, Pedals, Gear Shifter – to offer realistic physical control

    5. Mobile App (iOS/Android) – for user login, quiz testing, rental access

    Our tech stack allowed for realistic 3D practice in both cognitive (testing) and behavioral (simulated driving) aspects.

Overall Project Timeline

Understanding Basics of Business

  • Market Research & Analysis

  • Business Model Comprehension

  • Stakeholder Communication & Goal Alignment

  • Problem Framing

Incubation Phase

  • Ideation & Concept Development

  • User Journey Mapping

  • Prioritization & Roadmapping

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

MVP Development

  • Project Management

  • Agile Methodologies

  • UX Design Execution

  • Data-Driven Decision Making

  • Communication & Documentation

Thinking Process & Execution Outline

Pitch Deck

Demos

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Demos 〰️

Website

Mobile App

VR App

Conclusions

Project Outcomes

  • Developed a 75% complete MVP of VirtuRoad, a VR driving simulator for new drivers

  • Secured $20,000 in funding while participating in angel investor pitch competitions

  • Designed and presented a full pitch deck and flushed out a viable business model

  • Validated user interest and product-market fit through interviews, surveys, and pitching

  • Chose not to continue the venture post-high school to pursue new opportunities in college

  • This project remains a foundational experience that shaped my passion for tech, product, and design

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Product Manager & Designer

  • Managed a remote team of overseas developers

  • Storyboarded and built comprehensive user flows

  • Designed the VR user experience and key feature flows

  • Led communication, design reviews, and development progress tracking

Skills Gained

  • UI/UX Design & User Flow Mapping

  • MVP Development & Product Thinking

  • Team Leadership & Remote Collaboration

  • Pitching, Fundraising & Business Modeling

  • Market Research & User Validation