Shark Sense VR: A 4D Virtual Reality Exhibit

An Immersive Experience Exploring the Senses of Sharks

The objective of the Shark Sense VR exhibit is to educate children and adults about the fascinating world of sharks. By providing a first-person experience, Formula D Interactive enables visitors to interact with the ocean through a shark's perspective. The exhibit demonstrates, with immersive and tactile feedback, the different senses sharks use to navigate and find their prey.

One of the key strengths of the Shark Sense VR exhibit is its self-contained design. The VR and haptic technology are safely housed within the exhibit, allowing visitors to enjoy the virtual reality content without assistance or bothersome cables. This design also ensures that the exhibit can withstand constant use and provides a smooth and fluid swimming experience.

During the VR experience, visitors place their heads in the VR headset mounted into the shark head and move the shark head left and right to navigate the 3D environment. Directional audio cues mimic the shark's sense of hearing, while a fan generates air flow to allude to the sense of smell sharks have. Vibrations in the handle-bars of the exhibit mimic the electromagnetic field sharks detect when they are close to their prey.

The Shark Sense VR exhibit was conceptualized and produced as a working prototype at the Shark Education Centre in Cape Town in 2016. It was then redesigned and fabricated in 2017 and exhibited at the Frost Museum of Science in Miami, Florida. The design underwent extensive user testing with children from primary and high school age groups, and their feedback was integrated into the final build.

The Shark Sense VR exhibit has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2018 in the Interface, Interaction, and User Experience Design category. This award recognizes the exhibit's well-designed, practical, and innovative features that meet professional and industrial requirements.

With the Shark Sense VR exhibit, Formula D Interactive has created an engaging and educational experience that allows visitors to dive into the world of sharks. By using virtual reality technology and immersive sensory feedback, this exhibit provides a unique opportunity to learn about the senses that sharks use to find their prey underwater. It is a must-see for museums and science centers, offering an unforgettable journey into the depths of the ocean.