Unlocking the Future: Designing the Keypad of EPVR

In Europa Prime VR, every interaction is an opportunity for immersion. From the hum of the life-support systems to the glint of light off distant Jupiter, each design choice is deliberate. One of the most deceptively simple, and crucial elements is the humble keypad. But in EPVR, even a keypad isn’t just a keypad. It’s a portal, a puzzle, and a storyteller.

A Functional First Impression

The keypad is among the first things players encounter in our initial rooms, and it’s not just for opening doors, it's a piece of the onboarding process, a tactile way to welcome players into the Europan world. That meant it had to feel intuitive, responsive, and futuristic... with a twist of retro charm.

A first glimpse of the work in progress keypad.

Designing with Personality

We knew early on that a flat, generic UI wouldn’t cut it. The keypad floats as a hologram, suspended, glowing, and alive. Inspired by sci-fi aesthetics from the '80s to now, it blends clean neon lines with chunky, satisfying button shapes. Each number key is large, comfortably spaced for precision, and offers clear visual feedback.

When you press a button, it doesn’t just light up, it responds with a subtle animation, giving players that tactile sense of pushing something real, even in zero gravity.

A gif showing the loading animation, activated as you approach a zone where you'll need it - like a door or e-closet.

More Than Just Numbers

The keypad has a character, and with that... moods. On approach, it greets you, gently fading into view with a soft pulse, as if aware of your presence. When you're finished, it doesn’t just turn off; it vanishes with purpose, folding back into the environment as if it were never there. These animation states are designed to subtly suggest a living environment, one that’s responsive, respectful, and efficient.

The keypad plays a pivotal role in puzzles, story reveals, and security challenges. And because it appears throughout the game, we’ve crafted it to never overstay its welcome. It’s sleek. It’s iconic. It disappears when it’s done.

The OFF activation that says "goodbye"

Why It Matters

In VR, physicality matters. If something feels off in scale, sound, or timing, it breaks immersion. Our keypad was developed with the core idea that even the smallest interaction can anchor the player deeper in the world. Whether it’s entering a lab code, solving a lock puzzle, or triggering a secret, the keypad sets the tone for precision and presence.

A Glimpse Ahead

This is just the beginning. As we expand EPVR’s interactive systems, we’re exploring how more interfaces, both visual and tactile, can evolve. Maybe voice-reactive keypads. Maybe corrupted inputs in damaged areas. Maybe even learning systems that adapt based on who’s using them.

In EPVR, even the keys have a story.