Orbify.eu reinvents navigation with Inception-style warped 3D maps
Norwegian startup introduces navigation interfaces with curved perspectives inspired by Christopher Nolan's Inception.
1Inception-style navigation
Norwegian startup Orbify.eu is developing 3D maps with warped perspectives similar to those seen in Christopher Nolan's Inception. Founder Karsten Huitfeldt explained that the technology gradually bends from a close-up street view to an aerial perspective at distance. The company has filed a patent application (PCT/EP2026/058725) in the EU for this technique. Technical details remain unclear as the patent hasn't been published yet.
2Background and motivation
Huitfeldt previously worked as an architect and project manager at Snøhetta. He founded Orbify in 2025 to explore ways to improve navigation interfaces. The company received initial funding from Innovation Norway and Norges forskningsråd. Huitfeldt stated they aim to solve the problem of users having to switch between different views in current navigation systems.
3Technology details
Orbify's technology uses a special bending algorithm, shader, and camera setup. The system can display routes in warped perspective while in motion. The company released a working prototype demo using PlayCanvas Engine in web browsers, utilizing WebGL2 and WebGPU with Gaussian splatting technique.
4User experience goals
Huitfeldt emphasized that while standard UX practices focus on optimizing user experience, there hasn't been significant progress in navigation design. Orbify aims to help users understand their surroundings and contextualize them within a bigger picture. The system combines close-up and aerial views in a single perspective.
5Commercial strategy
Orbify plans to offer its technology not as a standalone map ecosystem but as a software/SDK layer that integrates with existing 3D mapping and navigation systems. The company has developed prototypes using Unreal Engine and Unity with Google's Photorealistic 3D Tiles. They're aiming for a platform-agnostic solution.
6User research
Orbify has developed a controlled study protocol to prove the superiority of its technology over conventional perspectives. No participant study has been conducted yet. Huitfeldt said research will determine whether the benefits of the warped perspective outweigh the obvious cost of geometric distortion.
7Industry impact
If successful, Orbify's technology could revolutionize navigation systems in automotive, mobile, and web platforms. It could particularly reduce cognitive load for users of in-car navigation systems. The company reports encouraging discussions with engine and rendering partners.
8Future potential
Orbify has the potential to usher in a new era of navigation design. The technology could eliminate the need for users to manage 3-4 different fragmented systems. However, side effects like motion sickness caused by geometric distortion need investigation. If successful, it could fundamentally transform the navigation experience.