Making the Invisible Interactive: Immersive Storytelling with Aditi Rajagopal

What does it take to design stories people can step into and feel?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, Cosmos in Focus—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.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.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.If you care about the future of storytelling, education, or interactive design, this conversation will expand your creative lens.What we explore in this episode:Defining immersive media beyond hypeHow Cosmos in Focus turns data into emotionThe “choreography of focus” as a design skillWhy headset access limits storytelling equityDesigning for behavior, empathy, and unexpected usersEntry points for creators using no-code and low-cost toolsBreaking outdated “rules” in VR and XR designShownotes and transcript: https://unmissables.substack.com/p/making-the-invisible-interactiveWhere to find Aditi RajagopalLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aditirajagopalWhere to find Ariba JahanLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aribajahanInstagram: @ariba.jahanNewsletter: unmissableswithariba.comFollow along:00:00 – Welcome + Meet Aditi Rajagopal02:49 – Magic and Potential of Spatial Storytelling05:13 – Defining Immersive Experiences07:35 – Designing for Presence10:17 – Creating Emotional Connections12:52 – Inside Cosmos in Focus15:42 – The Choreography of Focus18:15 – Lessons from Collaboration20:36 – The Future of Immersive Storytelling25:43 – The Future of Spatial Computing27:34 – Challenges in Spatial Design33:03 – Diversity in Storytelling34:13 – Barriers for Creators35:15 – Getting Started in Immersive Storytelling38:20 – Responsibility in Storytelling41:17 – Behavioral Shifts in Immersive Experiences43:17 – Breaking the Rules of Immersive Storytelling45:37 – Encouragement for Aspiring Storytellers47:23 – OutroEnjoying Unmissables?Your review helps others discover the show. Please leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and a review on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!I want to hear from you! Drop in the comments or reach out to me to share what types of topics and questions you want explored on future episodes. Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe