Augmented & Virtual Reality Development
above photograph by Radek Grzybowski/Unsplash
As we work out the details of the larger projects; we’re often led down new paths of exploration.
Sometimes random smaller ventures or projects are needed as research for larger concepts or plans. Much of what we are exploring here leads to something amazing down the road. We feel like everything we are currently doing is building the future. Right now.
The following projects consist of both concepts that could go into development tomorrow and those that might marinate for years before the details and larger visions begin to align…
… well, and technology catches up.
Augmented Reality in Arena Events
augmented reality | special focus on designing for the greatest impact of large stadium crowd experiences
In 2020 while we all waited to be set free again, these hulking empty spaces made me imagine the wild ways we could fill them using augmented reality. More than a year of quarantine gave us the time to dream about augmented reality becoming a part of every one of these large scale experiences. Additionally, if in the future we ever again have to limit seating we can have this very system in place. This approach could get sophisticated enough to sell virtual tickets for specific sections of an arena, so from your own VR headset at home, you can sit in that section live during the game. The 360º cameras can be placed in specific seats giving you the full experience of a specific perspective.
There are so many opportunities to explore what can be done in these grand spaces. The sky’s the limit as we plan and develop best uses now.
photograph by Martha Dominguez/Unsplash
Blood
augmented reality | empathy/unity project
BLOOD is an interactive augmented reality event. The singular AR element is a giant red dot the color of blood, suspended above the Forum building on the main University Park campus grounds of Penn State University.
The red blood drop has a diameter larger than that of the form building itself. On the shiny deep red surface of the big ball facing Curtin Road an embossed or darkened symbol, formula or other code will appear. Essentially each of these will be their own riddle or code that once solved will transform into the next symbol, formula or code. With several of these codes or riddles, we will engage several colleges all over campus.
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The Time Machine
on hold | augmented reality + physical build | in search of a photo data processor
The spark of inspiration for this piece came from a conversation I had with a friend about the “Make America Great Again” slogan. We talked about how the last good thing Americans had to rally behind together was the space program from long ago. This conversation inspired me to look at one of those triangle cone shaped rocket capsules as a symbol of a time when we were united for something good. Besides the shuttles, these capsules are the only remaining parts returning after manned space travels. While looking and researching these capsules it occurred to me that in our current environment of distorted history, I wanted to build a time machine to set the record straight.
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Cinema Spaces & Drive-In Theaters
augmented reality | enhancing engagement in entertainment spaces
As we increasingly watch more entertainment at home in our living rooms, aren’t we just driving the last nail in the coffin of the cinemas and drive-ins everywhere? What is the point of developing anything for that industry? Well…
The drive-in movie returned during the Covid-19 era, sparking the idea that there are so many possibilities within these spaces if we continue to choose them. I truly believe in the power of augmented or mixed reality to create ever increasing additions to drive-ins and cinemas that will keep people coming back to these attractions all while continuing to enjoy streaming films from the comfort of their own homes as well.
To do this, I propose we use AR & VR movie versions in home viewing platforms to get a take on what people might really be thrilled by in the actual cinema or drive-in space. We then evolve the AR or VR engagement at the theaters/drive-ins in much more dramatic and exciting ways than what they can get at home and the demand will be stronger for both.
photograph by Cesira Alvarado/Unsplash
Joker’s Parade
augmented reality | visual ideology impact experiment
JOKER’S PARADE was sparked into reality because of the shenanigans of America’s politicians. After the Baby Trump balloon traveled the planet, it reminded me of the bulbous and over-simplified shapes of the balloons in the Batman film starring Jack Nicholson as The Joker.
In the Batman film, the exaggerated and simplistic shapes added to the almost psychotic energy of the whole parade. I plan to use the same type of exaggerated, characteristic and simplistic shapes to capture that feeling overall.
The AR Parade of balloons will launch from simple banners stretched across a street that contain AR markers and QR codes to access the animated imagery. They will instantly turn the street block into the parade route for the insane clown posse our government has become. Big inflated balloons representing the characters of the week would fill the sky on the chosen block.
photograph by New York Post
Velvet Rope
virtual reality | photo research & team players being contacted
The NYC club scene in the 80’s and 90’s was a magical experience. Born from the city’s bankruptcy in the 70’s that made unusual spaces accessible and affordable for massive dance parties, the downtown scene truly benefited through those economically difficult decades. Combined with the creativity and devil-may-care attitude of those times, a legendary community was born that most likely will never happen again.
Though reality won’t lend itself to recreate those times, a virtual reality experience can bring back the spaces, lights and favorite DJs of the era. Through VR we will transport everyone back to the fantastic worlds that thrived just past the velvet ropes and bouncers with clipboards.
photograph by Greyson Joralemon/Unsplash
Viral Christmas
virtual reality | game | In gameplay development
My family has certainly lived through its adventures and one particular Christmas years ago stands out as very extra. This one family holiday vacation was the inspiration for this VR game.
Ultimately, without giving away too many details, we had been renting a cabin in the woods along a lake for a week during Christmas as a way for the whole family to unplug and take a break.
This one Christmas week, extended family were invited to pay a visit for just one night. One family member arrived with the flu (though she still says she wasn’t sick) and just 48 hours later, in the middle of the night before the morning we needed to pack and make the drive home...
Well… 4AM came…. and….
The flu decided to take the family out, one by one. The challenge of getting the cars loaded and completely out of the cabin for the next guests no later than noon caused what can only be described as a full on shit storm… well,… and vomit storm and well… you get the idea. Maybe in this VR game, YOU will do a better job of getting your family home to their beds before even worse obstacles arise in the process.
photograph by Ian Keefe/Unsplash